POP-WUJ
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  • Home
  • About
  • Community Projects
    • Medical Clinic
    • Safe Stove Project
    • Nutrition Project
  • Get Involved
    • Online Spanish Tutoring
    • Medical Spanish Internship
    • Spanish Immersion Program
  • Donate
  • Contact
  • FAQ

COVID-19: Help support our impacted community
Gift or Take a Spanish Lesson or Donate.

About Us

Who are we? 

We are the Pop Wuj ("Pope-Woo") family - a passionate group of individuals who all share the drive to empower our local community. We dedicate our hearts to ensure all students and volunteers receive an amazing experience learning Spanish, participating in community service projects, and immersing in the culture of Guatemala. We, at Pop Wuj, stand with Black Lives Matter and the LGBTQ+ community and hope to make Xela a home away from home for all! 
Administration
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Ana María Loarca

Director of Initiatives
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Óscar Rodríguez

Director of Academic Programs
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Fredy Díaz

Director of Finances
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Jorge Luis Archila Puac

Founder, ​International Coordinator
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Isabel Alvarado

Secretary

Abroad Ambassadors
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Mo Siddiqui

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Ruth Chen

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Jessica Lee


Our Collaborators
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Carlos Rodolfo Lemus Ovalle

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Mynor Arrivillaga

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Ana Ochoa

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Lilian Peinado

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Alberto Rosales García

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Katherine Morales

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Cecilia Zavala

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Gerson Yax

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Zulma Mendez

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Valerie Alvarez

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Flor de Maria Martínez

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Varzis Mendez

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Carmelina López Saquich

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Alicia del Milagro Quijivix

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Mirna López

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Lis Izas

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Karin del Carmen Macario

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Kary Analy Mejía Gómez

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Francisca Esther Sapón

About Xela

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Quetzaltenango is known among Guatemalans by its k’iche name of Xela ("Shay-lah"). The remote city is situated in a mountain valley amid spectacular peaks and volcanoes - a geographic barrier to mosquitoes! ​​
The majority of the Xela's inhabitants are Maya-Quiche Indians, many of whom still wear their traditional clothing in daily life. There are very few English speakers among Xela’s inhabitants —an environment which encourages students' Spanish fluency. 
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Xela is home to many writers and artists, priding itself as “The Cradle of National Culture.” Its architecture is a hodgepodge of adobe, reinforced concrete, and modern steel construction. Unique historic neighborhoods with narrow, winding, hilly streets contribute to its charm and sense of timelessness.
© 2020 Asociación Pop Wuj Spanish School