Empowering the Next Generation: Eagle’s Nest Atitlán x UMA Collaboration

At Eagle’s Nest, we believe that our stunning home by the shores of Lake Atitlán is more than just a retreat center—it’s a sanctuary for connection, growth, and transformation. Today, we are thrilled to announce a heart-aligned collaboration with UMA, an inspiring grassroots collective founded by Brittni Hagen, an educator, artist, and advocate for intercultural harmony and ecological sustainability. Together, we are sowing seeds for a brighter future through UMA’s project: “Empowering Children Through Intercultural Harmony, Arts, Eco-Literacy, and Maya Heritage.”

uma sponsorship program

What Is UMA?

UMA stands for unity, empowerment, and transformation. Founded in 2022, UMA is a collective that uplifts children from Maya and international communities around Lake Atitlán, offering programs centered on cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and intercultural connection. UMA’s mission is to nurture compassionate, resilient leaders who are deeply rooted in their heritage while equipped to thrive in a globalized world.

Brittni Hagen, UMA’s founder, draws on her years of experience in holistic education and grassroots community work to create transformative programs for children. Through UMA, she combines the timeless wisdom of Maya traditions with innovative, heart-centered teaching practices, empowering children to protect their cultural roots and natural environment.

Why This Collaboration Matters

At Eagles Nest Atitlán, we are dedicated to creating spaces that foster healing, connection, and sustainability. Partnering with UMA allows us to deepen our commitment to the local community by supporting initiatives that address pressing challenges faced by indigenous children around the lake.

Together, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change, guided by UMA’s three foundational pillars:

  1. Cultural Preservation: Safeguarding the beauty of Maya languages, arts, and traditions for future generations.
  2. Environmental Stewardship: Teaching children to care for Lake Atitlán and the planet through eco-literacy and sustainable practices.
  3. Intercultural Harmony: Bringing diverse communities together to celebrate differences and build unity.

uma children empowerment guatemala

UMA’s Impact in Action

UMA’s programs are vibrant, transformative, and deeply impactful. Here’s a glimpse of what makes their work so powerful:

  • Maya Heritage & Cultural Pride: Children reconnect with their roots through traditional weaving, storytelling, and indigenous language workshops.
  • Eco-Literacy & Environmental Stewardship: Activities like organic gardening, waste reduction, and lessons on local ecosystems empower children to care for the Earth.
  • Mindfulness & Emotional Wellness: Guided meditations and mindfulness games nurture resilience, empathy, and inner peace.
  • Intercultural Exchange: Collaborative art projects and cultural celebrations build bridges between local and international children.
  • Arts for Empowerment: Creative workshops inspire confidence and self-expression while preserving ancestral traditions.

uma children empowerment

A Shared Vision for Change

This collaboration is rooted in a shared vision: to create a generation of changemakers who are proud of their cultural identity, deeply connected to the Earth, and ready to lead with compassion. UMA’s holistic approach—blending ancestral wisdom with modern learning—perfectly aligns with our values at Eagles Nest Atitlán.

By working together, we’re not just supporting education; we’re protecting the soul of this sacred land and inspiring global unity.

How You Can Join Us

We invite you to be part of this journey! Whether you’re visiting Eagles Nest or looking to support from afar, here are ways to get involved:

  1. Donate: Help UMA expand its reach and sustain its transformative programs. Every contribution makes a difference.
  2. Volunteer: Share your skills in art, education, or sustainability to directly impact children’s lives.
  3. Collaborate: Partner with us to bring expertise, resources, or networks to UMA’s work.

Together, we can preserve the rich heritage of the Maya, nurture a sustainable future, and empower children to lead with heart and purpose.

Looking Ahead

Our collaboration with UMA marks the beginning of a powerful partnership. As UMA continues to grow and touch more lives, we are proud to stand alongside them, creating opportunities for children to thrive in harmony with their culture, community, and environment.

Let’s empower the next generation to be stewards of both their heritage and our shared planet.

For more information about UMA and how you can get involved, visit Brittni Hagen’s website or follow @uma.universo on Instagram.

Together, we rise. Together, we create harmony.

Written by : Laura Born

Laura is small town girl from Germany, who decided to leave the corporate world to follow her dreams. She has since then traveled the world, teaching yoga in various locations. She is a passionate writer and loves to share inspiring stories from all over the world.

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