Host Organizations

GUATEMALA

Co'jolya Association

www.cojolya.org
In the late 1970's, Candis Krummel, an American living in Santiago Atitlan, became aware of the threat to backstrap loom weaving. She organized the Cojol ya Association of Maya Women Weavers in 1983. A non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of backstrap loom weaving and the traditions which surround it, not just as a historical relic but as a viable enterprise -- the Association offers a way for these skilled artists to make a living wage with the production of their magnificent textiles.

The Association provides weavers with threads and looms, design services, the development of infrastructures and markets to promote sales. A weaver selects a warp, prepared at the weaving center, which she weaves in her home as part of her daily routine, in the tradition of her grandmothers. Using traditional techniques and designs, the textiles are made into women's accessories - totes, bags, hats and scarves or shawls. The weavers have learned that fine quality weaving, is highly valued in the art to wear market.

Fundacion Ayudamos

www.ayudamos.ca
Ayudamos is a non-profit organization formed to provide direct aid and assistance to impoverished women and children in Guatemala, with the ultimate goal being their self-sufficiency. To build a self-sustaining foundation, providing humanitarian aid to women and children in Guatemala, through a variety of means, including education, direct funding and providing material necessities. Also, to lend support to grass roots projects by providing expert assistance allowing them to achieve sustainability and self-determination.

ADISA

http://mayacom.org/organizations/santiago.htm
ADISA is a non-profit organization created for the sole purpose of bettering the quality of life of handicapped people and their families.

Located in Canton Xechivoy, a suburb of the town of Santiago Atitlan, in the Department of Solola, on the south shore of Lake Atitla n. Santiago Atitlan is one of the 19 municipalities of the Department of Solola, home to approximately 35 thousand, the majority of whom are Tzutuhiles, descendants of the Mayas.

Since 1997 when we began meeting with parents and families, to this date we have worked in Four Areas:
1. Special Education
2. Medical Assistance
3. Employment/Integration
4. Awareness/Prevention.

Puente de Amistad

http://www.friendshipbridge.org/index.htm
Friendship Bridge is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works primarily with women in Guatemala. Friendship Bridge utilizes microcredit loans along with educational programs to help women help themselves and their families. Friendship Bridge was born out of hope to aid suffering people in Vietnam from the lack of sufficient healthcare. Today, the hope to ease poverty and suffering has evolved through the implementation of a microcredit plus project that serves rural families in Guatemala.