Yakuna is a 501(c)(3) foundation formed to provide educational opportunities and support for low-income individuals in developing countries. Our current efforts involve installing computer centers for underprivileged children and adults in Latin America. The name Yakuna comes from the Mayan word for ‘Friend.’

We started Yakuna in 2009 and are currently funding 8 computer centers in Ecuador. This year, we received an overwhelming request for 4 additional, new computer centers! Each computer center costs $9,000 for equipment, and teacher pay for each center is another $6,000 per year. So, we are reaching out to you to see if you can help make these additional computer centers happen! All donations are tax-deductible, and receipts will be emailed to all donors.

Why Computer Centers?

Computers and the internet are powerful catalysts for education. In the right setting, these tools can be adopted quickly and intuitively, especially with the youngest of users. Children as young as three years old benefit from this exposure and quickly learn to use the tools. However, low income children and adults have little or no access to these tools and the related educational opportunities.

Why Globally?

Global Inequity

Vast inequities that exist in a resource-rich world. The disparities in wealth constitute a moral imperative that drives philanthropy.

Global Interdependence

A vast percentage of the world’s population has either been left out of the process of globalization or has been adversely affected by it. A growing number of concerned world citizens are espousing the view that globalization must be matched by a commensurate social imperative, the imperative to invest internationally.

Global Opportunity

A new global infrastructure composed of intermediaries and other nonprofits is making international giving easier, more effective, and more cost-efficient for smaller foundations and individual donors.

Global Leverage

The charitable dollar goes much further in most countries. A modest grant can have a tremendous impact, particularly in a small community existing on the edge of poverty.

Demonstrating American Support

From “Global Giving: Making a Difference Abroad,” published by Citibank