About Caracol
Who we are and what we do
We are a community-based youth development and arts organization operating in Belize and Guatemala, Central America. Our permanent programmes provide children and young people with safe spaces to explore their identity, culture, creativity and develop their self-esteem.
Caracol was founded by Claudia Orantes and Jon Ottley in 2003. Since then project activities have taken place throughout Belize and in various communities in Guatemala. In 2005 we started monthly arts and photography workshops in Arenal Village and in response to the positive reaction of the young participants the village became Caracol's permanent home. Our youth development and community arts centre opens daily and nearly one hundred children regularly access educational services provided by Caracol youth leaders.
Why we do it
Our mission is to contribute to social transformation by promoting the personal development of vulnerable young people through creative expression, group work and exchange while building the creative and technical capacity of youth leaders to become decision-makers, cultural promoters and community leaders.
Where we are
Caracol is located in western Belize. Our office is in Benque Viejo del Carmen and our youth development & community arts centre, La Casita de Caracol, is in the Cayo District in the village of Arenal on the international border between Belize and Guatemala.
Our status
Caracol is registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales (Charity Number:1096971) and also as a Non Profit Organization in Belize. To see our Charity Commission of England & Wales page click here.
Our UK Trustee Office is located in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England.
We are a community-based youth development and arts organization operating in Belize and Guatemala, Central America. Our permanent programmes provide children and young people with safe spaces to explore their identity, culture, creativity and develop their self-esteem.
Caracol was founded by Claudia Orantes and Jon Ottley in 2003. Since then project activities have taken place throughout Belize and in various communities in Guatemala. In 2005 we started monthly arts and photography workshops in Arenal Village and in response to the positive reaction of the young participants the village became Caracol's permanent home. Our youth development and community arts centre opens daily and nearly one hundred children regularly access educational services provided by Caracol youth leaders.
Why we do it
Our mission is to contribute to social transformation by promoting the personal development of vulnerable young people through creative expression, group work and exchange while building the creative and technical capacity of youth leaders to become decision-makers, cultural promoters and community leaders.
Where we are
Caracol is located in western Belize. Our office is in Benque Viejo del Carmen and our youth development & community arts centre, La Casita de Caracol, is in the Cayo District in the village of Arenal on the international border between Belize and Guatemala.
Our status
Caracol is registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales (Charity Number:1096971) and also as a Non Profit Organization in Belize. To see our Charity Commission of England & Wales page click here.
Our UK Trustee Office is located in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England.
