In 2007, a group of Ak’ Tenamit’s students began the organization Aprosarstun (Ap-row-sar-stoon) before even graduation from Ak’ Tenamit.  They were inspired to do so after attending a meeting with several institutions who were discussing ways to improve conditions in the nearby Sarstun region.

Aprosarstun’s mission is to improve livelihoods in the 16 communities that make up the Sarstun watershed region while simultaneously preserving the environment.  They work to prevent deforestation and reduce water contamination and overfishing.   They are also improving the health and quality of life of women who spend hours cooking over open-air fire pits.

How do they do it?

• Replanting trees
• Installing wood-saving cook stoves to replace open-air fire pits
• Giving presentations in communities discussing the importance of conserving resources
• Giving presentations at Ak’ Tenamit’s school and encourage students to discuss the importance of conservation with their families and communities

You can read more about their work at http://www.ecologic.org/en/where-we-work/guatemala/sarstun.