Primeros Pasos' mission is to improve the quality of life of rural communities in the Palajunoj Valley in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala through the implementation of integrated health education projects and by offering access to medical, dental and nutritional services with highly qualified professionals. Our vision is to be a comprehensive institution that provides high quality health and educational services in order to generate change including improving the quality of life of the communities of the Palajunoj Valley through shared social responsibility among governmental, non-governmental, health, nutrition, and education organizations, companies, individuals and international organizations. Primeros Pasos (¨First Steps¨) is a non-profit, independent organization with a comprehensive outlook on health care. With the collaboration of health professionals, health educators, volunteers, and community leaders, Primeros Pasos offers quality and affordable health care and health education to the rural, underserved communities of the Palajunoj Valley of Quetzaltenango, Xela. Primeros Pasos provides affordable medical and dental care to more than 4,000 adults and children and provides community outreach and health education services throughout The Valley. The need: The Palajunoj Valley is home to approximately 18,000 people residing in 10 communities. Despite its geographic proximity to the urban center of Xela, the communities of The Valley are often forgotten and many lack access to core services such as running water, electricity, or healthcare. In addition, indigenous communities of the Western Highlands face some of the highest rates of malnutrition worldwide, with up to 70% stunting. To this day, Primeros Pasos is the only comprehensive and affordable source of healthcare within The Valley. Please contact us at info@primerospasos.org if you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities.