Indian Church Village is a small community of approximately 250 people and home to Lamanai Outpost Lodge in the beautiful country of Belize. Indian Church resident and budding entrepreneur, Abdul Ramirez, has always dreamed of building a business that would improve the economy of his village.

Abdul is a skilled mechanic who’s been repairing vehicles and other machines for most of his life. Although you may know him from the Lamanai Outpost Lodge where he works as a naturalist and professional guide, or from the Lamanai Field Research Center where he assists in a variety of research projects in collaboration with several universities, or from the Mennonite communities across Belize where he works in vehicle services and as a private driver.

Abdul wishes to apply his mechanical skills and fill a niche by opening the first formal mechanic shop and repair garage in Indian Church. The site in the village has already been selected and the foundation has begun being laid. We need your help to finish construction.

Your donation will allow Abdul to purchase the remaining construction materials and select equipment that is standard in repair garages. Specifically, his goal is to raise $8,400 ($5,070 for construction materials; eg, timber, zinc roof and flooring, plus $3,330 for select tools and equipment; eg, air compressor, vehicle lift, car jacks and welding machine). His goal is to have construction completed and the business open by the end of 2025.

Having this new business in Indian Church Village creates infrastructure and jobs, provides essential services, and supports other businesses in Indian Church and surrounding communities.

Indian Church Village has supported researchers, student groups, field courses, study abroad programs, archaeologists, volunteer groups, ecotourists and other travelers for many years. Many of you have built lasting professional and personal relationships with the people who live there. Now it’s our turn to support them. We thank you in advance for your consideration.