Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
18 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
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Details
Description
Welcome to our vibrant community! Nestled in the heart of Guatemala, our place is a 100% worker-owned association that has been thriving for over three decades. Born amidst the challenges of civil unrest, our mission has remained steadfast: empowering local women through fair wages in textile production.
At the core of our operations lie the remarkable artisans who, using the ancient art of back-strap loom weaving, craft exquisite textiles. Our headquarters, in Quetzaltenango (Xela), serves as a hub of creativity.
But our vision extends far beyond our storefront. In addition to showcasing our artisanal products, we offer private back-strap loom weaving classes. Moreover, through 'Almaya,' a dedicated nonprofit fund, we offer scholarships for the children of our arisan weavers so that their communites can grow and prosper.
Join us in our journey toward a more inclusive future. Our cooperative has a perfect mixure of traditional Guatemalan values and progressive foriegn values from all the past volunteers and tourists who come by.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
DIY and building projects
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Our program offers a unique chance to delve into the world of women's cooperatives, explore the art of backstrap weaving, uncover the vibrant tapestry of Mayan culture, and connect with some of the skilled weavers of Guatemala.
Volunteers can recieve a free class of backstrap weaving.
Help
We are looking for motivated people ready to volunteer onsite in Quetzaltenango for at least a 3 week commitment.
Mon-Fri
We also offer internships with the opportunity to gain course credit for your college or university. For interns, we ask for a minimum 8-week time commitment.
The team handles the cooperative's business and international aspects.
We are currently looking for volunteers with the following skills/experience:
- Retail Management
- Sales/E-commerce
- Marketing/Communications
- International Development
- Fundraising
- Website Development
- Social Media
- Photography, Videography, Graphic Design
-Wall murals
Projects include:
We are reonnvating a compound to have 4 bedrooms and a kitchen, seperate from the office.
Product Catalog
New product photos
Grants and NGO legalization
Social media presence
Shop rennovation
Your creative projects and ideas are also welcome!
We recommend our volunteers to have their own laptop.
A basic handle of Spanish is recommended in order to communicate and share with our President and Vice president, otherwise you will miss out on a lot of opportunities and stories.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
*WE DO NOT OFFER FREE ACCOMMODATION*
However we can offer dicounted rates in our rooms at 40 Q a night if there is availability. Quetzaltenango is a mid-sized city with plenty of affordable hostels and apartments nearby.
*WE DO NOT OFFER 3 FREE MEALS*
We do a round robin for lunches, each person prepares lunch for the team once per work week.
We also offer meals for Q25 ($3.25) each. We can't cater to specific dietary needs. You'll be served traditional Guatemalan/Mayan dishes. Feel free to use the kitchen if you prefer. There are also plenty of eateries and restaurants nearby.
What else ...
As the second-largest city in Guatemala, Quetzaltenango is full of shops and restaurants, bars, dance studios, and cafes, and it is a short bus ride away from many of the beautiful tourist sites in Los Altos—Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango, Antigua, and Huehuetenango. In Xela, there are volunteers with various NGOs, Spanish students and tourists, so you will have plenty of opportunities to meet new people!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have Wi-Fi
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
4hrs/day
Feedback (14)
unfortunately i noticed that 3 weeks is too little to get to know the organisation, the weavers and to realize a whole project. although i am so happy and thankful for being part of this beautiful… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.6)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
unfortunately i noticed that 3 weeks is too little to get to know the organisation, the weavers and to realize a whole project. although i am so happy and thankful for being part of this beautiful… read more
There are a range of jobs available to help out with, from fundraising to social media to writing blog posts about a relevant topic of interest so there is definitely something for everyone. I helped to design a nutrition and… read more
I volunteered here only for three weeks but was already well introduced into the structure and beautifully supervised by Hannah the coordinator!
I… read more
I spent 3 weeks there... far too short! I was working on lots of projects aligned with my own interests in community development which was great.
I made the most of getting involved in learning back strap weaving and doing a home stay with a family which was fab.
It's great to see a true… read more
Our work was very interesting and we felt like we contributed to a cause that is in line with our values. Working with the coordinator and the other volunteers was enriching and working with the president and vice-president of the cooperative taught us valuable lessons. We will… read more
Corina also helped with the sales in the physical shop and helped organize two… read more
She developed two projects of her own and was able to… read more
The two founders welcomed me so warmly ! I was working with the coordinator, Janina, who is so lovely, patient and passionate about her work. She will always be here if you need help or… read more
I worked… read more
