Guatemala

From 1994-96, ADF’s programs in Guatemala coincided with a critical juncture in Guatemalan history, during the period of negotiations for an Agreement of Firm and Lasting Peace between the government and guerrilla leaders in the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacionál Guatemalteca (URNG). Begun in the early 1990s, the talks bore fruit in the December 1996 formal peace accord, thus bringing an end to the longest civil war (twenty-five years) in Central American history. Another landmark agreement achieved during this time was the 1994 Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights, which laid the basis for fundamental, democratic liberties and an end to the sufferings of the Guatemalan people.

With the support of USAID, ADF in 1994 implemented a pilot project that trained Guatemalan NGOs to conduct civic education as part of their core activities. Additional support from USAID/Guatemala resulted in a two-year Civic Education Project. The general and presidential elections in November 1995 and January 1996, respectively, rendered the many ADF activities in Guatemala all the more timely. With ADF grant funding support, many local NGOs were able to conduct innovative civic, legal, and voter education efforts at the community level, build coalitions, and engage in effective get-out-the-vote campaigns.