Faces of Na’atik: Manuel Vázquez

This month’s Face of Na’atik is Manuel Vázquez, a local melipona bee specialist, English student, scholarship recipient, and homestay father who has become an important part of the Na’atik community through many different roles. From teaching international students about stingless melipona bees to welcoming visitors into his home and studying English himself, Manuel’s journey reflects the connection between community, cultural exchange, and education that defines Na’atik’s mission.

Manuel first became involved with Na’atik through his melipona bee project several years ago. At the time, he was already working with native stingless bees and sharing his products locally when a former Na’atik staff member contacted him about collaborating with immersion students visiting Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

“At first, I was nervous,” Manuel explained. “For us, working with bees is something very normal, but I didn’t know if students from other countries would find it interesting. I wanted to give them a good experience.”

Very quickly, Manuel realized how much students enjoyed visiting the meliponary and learning directly from him. Over the years, students from many different countries have participated in his workshops, learning about melipona bees, local ecology, traditional knowledge, and sustainability.

“The response from students was always very good,” he said. “They enjoyed the experience and many of them also supported my products. Little by little, more people started learning about my work.”

As his relationship with Na’atik grew, Manuel and his wife also joined the homestay program, opening their home to immersion students from around the world. Today, hosting students has become one of the most meaningful parts of his experience with the organization.

“We always try to make students feel at home,” Manuel shared. “If we go to the market or to a celebration, we invite them to come with us. We spend time talking together and helping them feel comfortable here.”

Through hosting, Manuel has welcomed students from the United States, Australia, Asia, and many other parts of the world. For him, cultural exchange has become a learning experience for the entire family.

“It feels like traveling without leaving home,” he explained. “Every person teaches you something different. I learn about their cultures, their food, how they think, and how they live.”

Manuel’s connection with Na’atik eventually inspired him to begin another journey of his own: learning English.

After participating in a documentary project with university professors from Tampa, Florida, Manuel shared that one of his goals was to improve his English so he could better explain his work and communicate directly with international visitors.

“Sometimes there are technical or biological terms that are difficult to explain through translation,” he said. “I wanted to explain my project using my own words.”

The professors later helped Manuel receive a scholarship to study English at Na’atik, where he has now been studying for approximately two years.

“I feel much more confident now,” Manuel said. “I understand much more English than before and I can already explain things and have conversations little by little.”

He also highlighted the support he has received from Na’atik’s teachers and staff throughout the process, as well as the flexibility that allows him to balance his studies with work and family life.

For Manuel, one of the most important things about Na’atik is the respect the organization shows toward local people, providers, students, and families.

“What I like most is the respect,” he explained. “They respect everyone’s work and ideas. If I have a suggestion or concern, they listen to me.”

He also believes Na’atik creates important opportunities for the community by connecting local families and providers with students from around the world while supporting access to English education for local youth.

“Not everyone has the opportunity to study English,” Manuel said. “Na’atik helps open doors for local students and also helps visitors learn about our culture and community.”

For Manuel, the impact of these experiences goes beyond language learning alone.

“When students come here and participate in the community, it changes perspectives for everyone,” he explained. “People learn from each other.”

From melipona bees to English classes and homestay experiences, Manuel’s story represents the heart of Na’atik’s mission: creating meaningful cultural exchange while supporting education, community development, and local leadership in the Zona Maya.

To learn more about Na’atik’s English language program for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, visit our Impact Page. We are only able to provide this much needed program thanks to the support of generous donors and the funds raised from our award winning Maya and Spanish Immersion Program. If you would like to support our mission please consider donating today or take a look at our immersion programsand online class packages.