Limitless Horizons Ixil

Our mission is to create opportunities for the indigenous youth, women, and families of Chajul, Guatemala, to develop the academic and professional skills needed to effect change in their lives and community.

Limitless Horizons Ixil (LHI) is a Guatemala-based organization that combines local and international resources and expertise to realize its goals. It has 501(c)(3) status in the US and non-governmental organization status in Guatemala.

LHI achieves its goals through the integration of three core programs:

• Saber sin Límites Community Library: LHI founded and operates Chajul’s first and only community library. Through our library, we provide access to over 10,000+ books and lead educational activities and homework help sessions for 500+ annual members.
• Colegio Horizontes Middle & High School: in 2022, we opened our beautiful school that serves 125 students annually. We provide access to a high-quality, holistic education designed to be culturally responsive and student-centered.
• Emerging Leaders Program: upon graduating with LHI, our students become Emerging Leaders, meaning they are provided ongoing support through professional development workshops, career mentorship, fellowships, and our strong alumni group.

Background on Chajul

Chajul is a remote mountain town of extraordinary beauty, where misty hills, winding paths, and breathtaking landscapes frame a community rich in warmth and resilience. It was also one of the epicenters of a 36-year-long civil war and genocide. Its people are deeply loving, grounded in strong cultural traditions that are passed down with pride and care from one generation to the next. There is so much to celebrate, cherish, and preserve - from language and dress to values of family, reciprocity, and respect. At the same time, many families struggle to earn enough to meet their basic needs, despite their hard work and determination. It is a place of profound beauty and strength, yet one that continues to face real economic challenges, making both its preservation and its support deeply important.

With 93% of Chajul’s families living in poverty, nearly half of parents illiterate, less than 5% of youth graduating from high school, and women and children are at a particular disadvantage. This is due to both financial limitations and the expectation that children should leave school at an early age to contribute to the family income with jobs such as working in the fields, hand-washing clothes, producing artisan products, carrying wood, or shining shoes. Consequently, ~50% of the adult population in Chajul is illiterate and monolingual Ixil. Of this group, girls are at an even greater disadvantage and are consistently given fewer opportunities than boys, as their education is seen as less important. Guatemala has an alarming 35-45% unemployment rate, and Chajul in particular has very few options for people who seek an honest way to make a sufficient living. In addition, many women and children in Chajul suffer from domestic violence.