Tecpan City is one of the biggest cities in Chimaltenango. It is well known for its archaeological richness and food culture. The main economic activity in Tecpan is agriculture (75%), second are businesses and services (20%), and only 5% are industries. Indicators show 70.9% of the people live in general poverty and 18.55% in extreme poverty. Most of these people work in agriculture; however, the wages from agriculture are low. Most agricultural workers earn Q50.00, or $7.00 USD per day. Working in a business or as a service provider would allow them to earn from 50% to 100% more income per day.
Restaurants, hotels, and tourism are the best resources for financial income for families. However, many of the young working population cannot ask for a job at these industries because of their low education, lack of vocational training or experience in cooking and customer service. Forcing them to work in informal jobs and earn low salaries.
Colegio Israel is a private school, located in Tecpan, Chimaltenango. Their programs have been growing over the past five years. Around 400 children have access to medical care, tutoring, and counselling, and more than 120 students have scholarships. Now, 120 students have vocational training on carpentry, agriculture, baking, and financial management, so the young people who graduate from the school can have access to better job opportunities in the community.