Sometimes the most meaningful ideas begin unexpectedly. When Monika Leuenberger arrived in Guatemala by sailboat after two decades of teaching in Switzerland, she never imagined she would one day establish a community-led partnership organization working across rural Izabal.

In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic reached Guatemala, a simple effort to help nearby families quickly grew into something much larger. Friends and family in Switzerland began sending donations. Local volunteers, organizations, and community members stepped forward. The sailing community in Rio Dulce became actively involved. Unexpectedly, El Quetzalito was born.

Today, El Quetzalito works alongside communities to expand access to education, healthcare, and practical long-term solutions. Every project begins with listening. We believe local communities understand their own needs best, and our role is to help connect people, resources, and opportunities in ways that strengthen those communities for years to come. Over the past several years, thousands of Guatemalan families have benefited from projects made possible through local partnerships and an international community of supporters.

While the organization has grown, our philosophy remains the same: practical support, mutual respect, and lasting relationships.