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Help around a women's weaving co-operative and explore Xela, Guatemala

Disponibilité

  2026 

 Séjour min. souhaité : Un mois ou plus

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Infos

  • Description

    Description

    We are a women’s weaving cooperative based in the highland city of Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala. Our organization is run by and for Indigenous women from five regions across the Western Highlands. We work collectively to preserve the ancestral art of backstrap weaving — a tradition passed down from generation to generation.

    Founded in 1988 after the civil war, this was created as a response to the devastating loss of husbands, fathers, and brothers. Women needed a way to sustain their families while holding onto their culture — and weaving was that lifeline.

    Today, we offer fair wages, training, and a dignified livelihood to over 150 weavers. Our main goals are women’s empowerment, cultural preservation, and ethical production. We sell handmade woven products, host workshops, and run a volunteer program to help support the cooperative’s ongoing work.

    Our team is made up of Indigenous women, our Creative Program Coordinator and our Sales and Donations Coordinator, having you as an extended part of our mission and work!
    Our international volunteers who bring energy, creativity, and passion for slow fashion and Mayan weaving techniques!
    We love sharing our knowledge and daily life with visitors, and we welcome Workawayers as part of our extended family.

    By volunteering with us, you’ll not only support our mission — you’ll live and learn alongside us, becoming part of a slow, intentional movement rooted in tradition, community, and resilience.

    Our volunteers are classified in two areas:
    Backpackers (frequent travelers) required to stay for 6 weeks minimum and 16 weeks maximum.
    Interns (academic-students) Minimum stay requirement is 4 months with a maximum of 12 months.

    AS A COMMUNITY FOR INDIGENOUS WOMEN, WE ARE HAPPY TO WELCOME OTHER WOMEN TO EXPERIENCE THE EVERYDAYLIFE WITH THEM.

    If you are a woman, we are happy to weave many stories together, experience community cooking, trips and learning about our cooperative, we'd like to hear from you!

    If you have questions towards traveling with your partner/ male friend, please let us know!

  • Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

    Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

    Bénévolat
    Aide à la maison
    Accueil / tourisme
    Entretien général
    Aide informatique/internet
  • Centres d’intérêt

    Centres d’intérêt

    Écriture
    Art et design
    Bricolage / artisanat
    Langues
    Jardinage
    Cuisine et alimentation
    Animaux
  • Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

    Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

    Objectifs de l’ONU
    Pas de pauvreté
    Faim «zéro»
    Bonne santé et bien-être
    Éducation de qualité
    Égalité entre les sexes
    Eau propre et assainissement
    Énergie propre et d'un coût abordable
    Travail décent et croissance économique
    Industrie, innovation et infrastructure
    Inégalités réduites
    Villes et communautés durables
    Consommation et production responsables
    Mesures relatives à la lutte contre les changements climatiques
    Vie aquatique
    Vie terrestre
    Paix, justice et institutions efficaces
    Partenariats pour la réalisation des objectifs
  • Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

    Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

    Volunteers will experience life in Xela while working closely with Indigenous women who preserve the art of backstrap weaving. You'll learn about Mayan culture, ethical fashion, traditional techniques, and grassroots organization. Through daily interaction, language exchange, and shared meals, you’ll gain deep insight into a resilient and to work as a community member.

    WE ARE ALSO OFFERING VISITING WEAVERS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES TO COOK AND WEAVE WITH THEM. Contact us for more information!

  • Charity

    Association caritative

    Cet hôte est une association caritative déclarée dans son pays et recherche des bénévoles pour l'aider dans ses projets.

  • Aide

    Aide

    We’re looking for WOMEN VOLUNTEERS to help with the maintenance of our store and weaving school in Xela.
    Tasks include assisting with photography, creating content, helping with weaving classes, and supporting visitors and participants in weaving workshops.
    experience required — just motivation, creativity, and a passion for human, rights, ethical fashion and community work!

    We also plan trips twice a month to visit the weavers, making the experience even more valuable!

  • Langues parlées

    Anglais: Courant
    Espagnol: Courant

  • Hébergement

    Hébergement

    We provide comfortable private accommodation for our volunteers, asking for a commitment to stay 4-12 months for academic purposes.
    For backpackers our minimum stay requirement is 6 weeks with a maximum of 16 weeks. Our facilities are located in the heart of Xela, surrounded by the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of the Guatemalan highlands.
    Here, you can explore local markets, traditional festivals, and beautiful natural surroundings, making it an ideal base for your adventure in Guatemala.
    Staff and other volunteers are also more than happy to share recommendations for local hikes and cultural experiences.

    Staying with us you can have a cultural immersion, experiencing the warmth of Guatemalan hospitality and learn about Mayan traditions firsthand. Moreover, you can improve your Spanish skills through daily interactions with our team and community members. During your stay you can gain practical skills in weaving and other crafts while contributing to our mission of empowering women and connecting with like-minded individuals from around the world and build meaningful, lasting friendships.

  • Autres infos...

    Autres infos...

    While volunteering with us, you’ll have plenty of time to discover the rich culture and natural beauty of Quetzaltenango (Xela) and its surroundings. Here are just a few ways you can make the most of your free time:

    Fuentes Georginas: Relax in natural hot springs nestled in the lush highlands.

    Lake Atitlán: Spend a day exploring this breathtaking crater lake, dotted with vibrant Mayan villages and surrounded by volcanoes; perfect for hiking, kayaking, or simply soaking in the views.

    Xela’s historic center: Wander through colonial architecture, colorful markets like Mercado la Democracia, and landmarks like the Catedral del Espíritu Santo.

    Mayan heritage: Visit nearby ruins like San Andrés Xecul close to Quetzaltenango or Zaculeu in Huehuetenango to connect with Guatemala’s ancestral roots.

    Volcano adventures: Hike iconic peaks like Santa María or Santiaguito for unforgettable panoramic views.

    Coffee tours: Discover how world-renowned Guatemalan coffee is grown, harvested, and brewed on local fincas.

    Cultural immersion: Take extra classes in traditional cooking, weaving, or even folkloric dance to deepen your experience.

    Getting around:

    Public buses: Affordable and efficient for reaching local towns and destinations like Lake Atitlán.

    Shuttle services: Ideal for day trips—easy to book and comfortable.

  • Informations complémentaires

    Informations complémentaires

    • Accès Internet

    • Accès Internet limité

      Accès Internet limité

    • Nous avons des animaux

    • Nous sommes fumeurs

    • Familles bienvenues

  • Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

    Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

    We have Wi-Fi

  • Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

    Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

    Un

  • Mes animaux

    Mes animaux

  • ...

    Cet hôte fait payer des frais

    en savoir plus
    6 $ for 1 meal
N° de référence hôte : 000000000090

Sécurité du site

Discutez avec des workawayers qui ont séjourné chez cet hôte

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Feedback (17)



Discutez avec des workawayers qui ont séjourné chez cet hôte

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Feedback

Ce sont des évaluations supplémentaires en option lorsque les membres laissent un feedback. La note moyenne pour chaque option est affichée.

Exactitude du profil:
(4.6)

Échange culturel:
(5.0)

Communication:
(5.0)






















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