Pub Quiz Tickets are selling fast!!
Join us on Tuesday 7th October at The Railway Tavern (Liverpool Street) for the legendary LATA Foundation Pub Quiz, sponsored by the Belize Tourism Board. Starting at 18:00, enjoy fun trivia, drinks, snacks, prizes, and a raffle. Tickets are £15 per person, with all proceeds going towards our grassroots projects. Teams are 6–8 people. If you don’t have a team, no worries – we’ll place you in one! We’re looking forward to a lively evening full of competitive spirit and merriment! Don’t miss out!
FAREWELL TO RICHARD BRASS, LATA FOUNDATION TREASURER
One of the original founders of the LATA Foundation, Richard Brass, will be taking a step down this autumn after unwavering dedication and service since its inception in 2007. Richard has been instrumental in shaping the Foundation into what it is today and his passion, commitment and pragmatic approach over the years has left an indelible mark on the charity. While we shall certainly miss his presence on the Board, we are excited for the next chapter for Richard and wish him all the best. Thank you, Richard, for everything!
GOODBYE KATIE, LATA FOUNDATION TRUSTEE! Katie Aston, a much-valued member of our Board, will be stepping down from her role as Trustee. Katie has been an integral part of the Foundation for many years. First leading the Projects Team before joining the Board of Trustees. Throughout her tenure, Katie has shown unwavering leadership, commitment and resilience, particularly through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her passion for our work, communities, and the many projects, combined with her expertise, have been invaluable and leave a lasting impact. While she will be sorely missed, we are deeply grateful for all she has done and wish her every success in her future endeavours.
LATA Foundation Project News
PRO-ECO AZUERO, PANAMA
This year, we’ve supported an inspiring initiative in Pedasí, Panama led by a local NGO Pro-Eco Azuero. Just recently, 24 young people graduated with a qualification in green community tourism and have become leaders in sustainable tourism in the Pablo Arturo Wildlife Refuge.
Through expert-led workshops, in-field expeditions, and hands-on training, they’ve explored everything from biodiversity and climate change to ecosystem impacts of fishing, to guiding skills and photography. Watching their progress has been a joy and we can’t wait to see what comes next!
COMMUNITY BABOON SANCTUARY, BELIZE
The Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) is a groundbreaking, community-led conservation area protecting the endangered black howler monkey, locally known as the ‘baboon’.
Since 1998, the CBS Women’s Conservation Group (CBSWCG), made up of elected female leaders from eight villages, has led efforts to protect biodiversity while creating economic opportunities through sustainable tourism.
With support from the CBSWCG and led by the Belize Tourism board, the LATA Foundation has been funding three hands-on training programmes. With a group of 20 passionate students, training is well underway and designed to equip them with tourism and hospitality skills, from tour guiding to customer service, to storytelling and certified homestay hosting.
EL RIO FOUNDATION, COLOMBIA
The LATA Foundation has been supporting the children of El Rio Foundation, an inspirational NGO in a post-conflict region on Colombia’s North Caribbean coast, with their English skills. We are delighted to hear that the children are making strong progress, and the Community English Language exchange has been a highlight of the most recent term’s activities.
Journey Latin America, the LATA Foundation’s biggest supporter, has chosen El Rio Foundation as its staff charity to support this year – raising funds by means of staff bake sales, sponsored walks and most recently a staff summer sports day! Two of their team members, whilst on work trips, even managed to drop by El Rio to check-in with the staff and teachers to gain further insight into the project.
PICAFLOR HOUSE, PERU
UNESCO states that literacy is a human basic right and the foundation for lifelong learning. Yet in rural areas in Peru, nearly one in five people remain illiterate.
Many students face steep challenges, if attending school is possible, many have to walk miles to get there. Picaflor’s mobile library, which the LATA Foundation is supporting, brings books, storytelling and literacy classes directly to those communities.
OUR FUNDRAISING & EVENTS TEAM NEEDS YOU!
This summer, we’ve been busy recruiting new volunteers to help fulfil our mission of using tourism to drive positive impact in Latin America. We’re so excited by the energy and enthusiasm of those who’ve already joined us – but our Fundraising & Events team still needs a few more amazing people!
Are you creative, driven, and passionate about the idea of supporting grassroots projects in Latin America? If so, we’d love to hear from you. We’re a friendly bunch who meet regularly, brainstorm exciting ideas, and deliver fantastic events. Please do visit our volunteer page or get in touch!
NEED HELP DELIVERING YOUR IMPACT?
We are a Foundation for the LATA Community, here to help you deliver your impact.
When your organisation’s impact is tangible, felt by those in communities that need it most, it inspires everyone involved: you, your teams and your clients! Choosing the LATA Foundation as your CSR partner is an incredibly rewarding experience, and we’re here to create a tailored approach that aligns seamlessly with your company’s values and objectives.
Together, we can build capacity in grassroots projects and drive positive impact in Latin America.