La Pedrera is an indigenous community located on the rocky hills of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. The people of La Pedrera moved from their pueblos to the near-city community looking for work and opportunities hoping to better their lives. Most adults speak the indigenous language k'iche' as their mother tongue, while their children often only speak Spanish.

Lacking education, the people of La Pedrera have access to employment only in domestic and physical labor.  These low-paying jobs provide barely enough income for crude shelter and little food, leaving families unable to afford the expenses of sending their children to public schools. Children as young as six years old join their parents and relatives working in the fields. The families of La Pedrera live with limited electricity and without running water.  Their homes have earthen floors, and in most cases only two rooms to shelter extended families of up to twenty people.

For more detailed information concerning volunteer work, donations, and participation with La Pedrera Project, please visit La Pedrera´s own website at www.lapedreraschoolproject.com