Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
18 Jul 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
24
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Details
Description
Welcome to our vibrant community! Nestled in the heart of the Guatemalan highlands, 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: empower 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, create exquisite craft 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. Our dedicated non-profit fund Almaya provides scholarships for the children of our artisan weavers so that they can continue their education.
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 creative, motivated people to volunteer with us for three weeks or more.
Our office, shop and weaving school are all located within the same complex in the historical district of Xela.
We are open Monday-Friday and ask for a commitment of 4 hours per day, which leaves plenty of time to attend Spanish classes, discover the city, and hike the beautiful volcanic surroundings!
We also offer internships with the opportunity to gain course credit for your college or university.
Working under the Program Coordintor, our volunteers help run the cooperative's online business and international aspects.
We welcome volunteers with the following skills/experience:
- Social Media Management & content creation
- Photography, Videography
- Graphic Design
- Website Development
- Modelling
- Retail Management for our on-site shop
- Sales/E-commerce
- Marketing/Communications
- Writing newsletters
- Fundraising
- International Development
- Artists for wall murals
- Carpenters for display units in our shop
- Interior design for our ongoing bnb project
Projects include:
Managing our social media accounts
Creating content for our website & newsletters
Shop rennovation
Still life photos
Photoshoots
Creating a product catalogue for wholesale
Grants and NGO legalization
We are reonnvating a compound to have 4 bedrooms and a kitchen to be listed on a rental platform
Your creative projects and ideas are also welcome!
It is beneficial but not essential for volunteers to have their own laptop
A basic handle of Spanish will be helpful in order to communicate and share ideas/stories with our founders.
If you are still a beginner in Spanish, Xela is full of language schools and the schedule is flexible so you can fit in classes around your volunteering!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
We do not offer free accomodation, however we do have basic rooms on site for a discounted rate of 40Q (around $5) a night for volunteers on a first come, first served basis. We are based in the historic district of Quetzaltenango which also has many affordable hostels and apartments nearby.
We do not offer free meals, however there is a kitchen on site which you are able to use. We are within 5 minutes walking distance of the main square which has affordable eateries and a food market.
What else ...
As the second-largest city in Guatemala, Quetzaltenango is full of cafes, restaurants, bars, dance studios, and shops. We are a bus ride away from many of the beautiful tourist sites in Los Altos—Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango, Antigua, and Huehuetenango. Xela is an authentic Guatemalan city, but also has a vibrant ex-pat community thanks to the many NGOs, Spanish schools and outdoor companies that are based here, 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 (15)
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
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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
