Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
21 Mar 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 6 days
Feedback
23
Email verified
Badges (2)
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 beckons as a haven for change-makers and dreamers alike.Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity WorkArt ProjectsLanguage practiceHelp with Eco ProjectsHospitality/TourismGeneral MaintenanceHelp with Computers/ InternetUN 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.
Help
We are looking for motivated people ready to volunteer onsite in Quetzaltenango for at least a one-month commitment.
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 volunteer and coordinator 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
-Building Maintenance
-Plumbing
-DIY projects
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 covnersations.Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: FluentAccommodation
*WE DO NOT OFFER FREE ACCOMMODATION*
However we can offer dicounted rates in our rooms at 40 Q a night if there is availability. The reason being is the cooperative still has to pay rent at the end of the month. Quetzaltenango is a mid-sized city with plenty of affordable hostels and apartments nearby.
*WE DO NOT OFFER FREE MALS*
Since past volunteers previously rejected their traditional food, our Guatemalan hosts no longer offer free meals (They are very sad and hurt from these experiences)
However, we 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 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
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
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