A Brief History

Work began on this project in June 1991 when a group of leaders from ICAmigos visited 10 communities. During the initial visits, ICAmigos observed several groups in the communities working cooperatively, rather than individually. ICAmigos was deeply struck by the fact that most of these groups were formed and directed by women. Many of them were widows who sought to improve their living conditions by dedicating their time, effort and labor to seeking benefits for the community as a whole. The groups that existed at the time had been formed with the assistance of the National Center for Textile Artisans. The problems they faced in producing the textiles were primarily the lack of economic resources and a stable market for sale of the products produced. As a result of these visits the program was launched in four of the communities visited.

What Does the Project Consist of?

The project provides planning and direct assistance to the various communities that participate, as well as training, education, and technical assistance. The project began with the objective of improving the quality of life of Mayan communities who were suffering from the after-effects of the 36-year civil war. These towns had for generations struggled to gain recognition of and respect for their rights. The project works with four groups in different communities which are populated largely by women: Chirijox and Chuacruz in the department of Sololá, and Quiejel and Xepatuj in the department of El Quiché, in the northern part of Guatemala. With the awareness that education is the major weapon against lack of development, the program focuses on literacy training. Groups are offered assistance in opening new markets for the sale and promotion of their products, not only at the national level but internationally as well. As a result, sales increase and at the same time the women are able to improve the economic situation of their families.

Justification of the Project

Due to the lack of aid to existing communities of weaving artisans, the organization decided to start a project to benefit a Mayan population of artisans and weavers who were producers as well as direct marketers of their goods. The program also works to:

1. Increase the income of participating women, their families and communities through improved marketing of their goods.
2. Reduce the high rate of illiteracy in the country through an aggressive literacy training program, thus promoting development at the local level.

Locations of the Project

The project takes place in four different communities: the neighborhood of Chuacruz, in the department of Sololá, and its group, "WAJXAQ' IB KAN" (The eighth day of the year in the Mayan calendar, which is a holy day), the neighborhood Chirijox, in Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán in the department of Sololá, and its group "KAQATO' QIB" ("Let's Help Each Other"), the neighborhood of Xepatuj, Nahualá, in the department of Sololá and its group "AJKEINAB' MYIB' ("Mayan Weavers"), and Quiejel, Chichicastenango in the department of El Quiché and its group "AK KASTEMAL" ("New Life").

Objectives

The following are the objectives of the program:

1. To maintain sales in existing markets;
2. To open new markets, both national and international;
3. To provide training in literacy and adult education;
4. Improve weaving techniques;
5. To increase the income of participating women, their families and communities through improved marketing of their goods; and
6. To reduce the high rate of illiteracy in the country through an aggressive literacy-training program, thus promoting development at the local level.

Staffing

Permanent: A group of approximately 75 women and men who are members of the cooperatives of each community.

Temporary: Students and/or volunteers from various countries, who offer their assistance with activities of the community for a specific period of time.

Material Resources

Thread, floor and backstrap looms, natural and artificial dyes, and office supplies.

Financing

It is very important to emphasize that the NGO ICAmigos is responsible for providing adequate funding to each of its projects. ICAmigos obtains funds through the following sources:

1. Percentage of the weekly tuition paid by students who take classes at ICA;
2. Weekly donation by each ICA teacher; and
3. Donations of students and former students.

Colors of Peace
Weaving the Future
Communities Working Cooperatively