Today was a day filled with new experiences for all. We visited with Mayan Families, an organization that seeks to support the community around them in many ways. Staff invited us to see the preschool program that is run for students in San Jorge, an “aldea”, or small town of Panajachel. This program seeks to provide education for children in households below the poverty level, and stems from the belief that education may be a foundation to improve economic situations for future generations. We enjoyed connection with the teachers and facilitating a Fruit Loops exercise focused on fine motor skills, learning colors, and connecting with others.
We then met with a woman who provided a demonstration of her artisan work. She works in a group of 4 women and contracts with Mayan Families to fulfill artisan beading orders both online and directly for their shop. She invited each person in our group to participate in the demonstration by stringing a row of beads for a bracelet she was making. Some of us found it quite challenging and others really enjoyed the experience. It was clear to all that she is very skilled in her craft which she has been practicing for years.
Following the beading demonstration we headed downstairs to a seniors lounge where elderly people gathered to enjoy conversation and storytelling together. We has the opportunity to participate in serving lunch, which is prepared for the elderly people daily.
We ended our day with Mayan Families by participating in two stove builds. This consisted of meeting with two different households and putting together a concerts stove or “plancha”, which was both energy efficient and kept the air in the home clean. This resource will support these households, who’s income is below the poverty level, by being able to cook for their families at a much lower cost and in a way that maintains clean air in the house. Household members were very grateful for this resource and thanked Mayan Families by generously providing refreshments.
We ended the day relaxing together and eating some local bean to bar chocolate.