CHAJULENSE ASSOCIATION - Chajul, Guatemala, July 2008

From July 21-27, International Programs Director, Jose Luis Zárate Garcia and International Progams Coordinator Jose Carlos Leon Vargas spent nine days visiting Coffee Kids’ counterparts, the Chajulense Association and Union of Independent Workers of Alianza Ranch (STIAP) in Guatemala.

The Chajulense Association was formed by a group of coffee growers 20 years ago in the department of El Quiche, Guatemala, to better market their coffee. In the past years, Chajulense Association has promoted economic and social alternatives particularly amongst women of the community.

Last year, Chajulense Association and the women of Chajul initiated a project in textile production supported by Coffee Kids and benefiting 50 women in two communities.

During the first day, the women took us to the workshop where they produce bags, cushions, scarves, table clothes, napkins, baby shoes, and many other objects. In one year, and with the help of other organizations, the women have standardized their offerings and put together a detailed catalogue allowing them to market their products in Guatemala and abroad.

On the second day, representatives from the group accompanied us to visit women who produce fabric using waist looms in the communities of Chajul and Pulay. This ancient practice allows women work at home and take care of their family without having to commute to a workshop or factory.

Over the past months, the Chajulense Association renovated a foot-operated loom and built a new one. This loom, along with the training the women received, will increase the textile production to satisfy the demand for handicrafts in the region.

At the end of our stay, the women announced that their group had acquired legal status and will be now called the Chajulense Association of Women United for Life (CAWUL). This achievement shows the increasing confidence among women that up until two decades ago had been living under the scourge of civil war.

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items are from between 22 Jul 2008 & 23 Jul 2008.