This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Kaela. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “New Activisms, Human Rights and Social Justice” that travels to Guatemala and Costa Rica.
This past weekend, our study abroad group had the unique opportunity to stay with families in the community of Santa Anita. Located in the highlands of Guatemala, this group of former soldiers and survivors have traded their guns for coffee beans to become a safe haven for Indigenous families after the war. When the Guatemalan peace accords were signed to mark the end of the civil war, many indigenous families had nowhere to return to. Their lands were either destroyed or given to a new family by the government. A group of ex-guerilla fighters and their families started this coffee plantation and built their new lives on the land.
The experience was not just about immersing ourselves in Guatemalan culture but also about understanding the complex histories and struggles of the people. Many of the families we stayed with are descendants of those who fought in the civil war. They shared stories of hardship, resistance, and the ongoing fight for their right to life. For us, it was a reminder of how history continues to shape the present, particularly for those still recovering from conflict.
During our stay, we took a tour of the land, learned the process of making coffee, had special conversations with some of the founders of the community, and learned about the different organizations within the community, such as the women’s organization. The collective model they’ve built is an inspiring example of community-led efforts toward sustaining culture and gaining economic independence.
While I was initially scared of how rural the homestay would be, I found it to be one of the most peaceful weekends I’ve had in Guatemala. The people were so welcoming and warm that I couldn’t help but feel happy and a part of the community. Evenings were spent playing with the children and watching the beautiful landscape change from day to night.