The preferred approach of the Foundation has been the development of “models” addressed to the solution of problems affecting the whole country. Model projects in Guatemala included the production of biogas from organic waste, model houses for rural communities, restoration of small historical monuments, and model clinics. Currently, several development activities are concentrated in a single town, under the project of a “model town”. The above models were implemented by cooperation with local Municipalities, Public and Private Schools, the Ministry of Health and of Education (Document 5). Technical and economic contributions of the Foundation were available for replicating the models The Jepa-Guatemala Association was promoted with the intent of coordinating support from various sponsors for the replication of the models, and generate support for own community projects, such as jornadas medicas, assistance to particularly needing families, training in vocational activities.

The direct involvement of the Foundation with local Municipalities and the Jepa-Guatemala Association allowed a drastic reduction of our operating costs. However, changes in local administration required the redistribution of our activities in different towns. From 2005 to 2007 development projects initiated by the Foundation in Guatemala were concentrated in the town of San Juan Alotenango-Sacatepèquez. Eventually, all the models initiated by the Foundation were implemented directly by the Municipality. The activity of the Foundation was therefore extended to neighboring towns such as Antigua, San Antonio Aguas Calientes, San Miguel Dueñas and particularly Santa Catarina Barahona, which is now the main center of our activities and our “model town”.