Provide Medical Care to Maya Women Artisans

Amidst the threads and looms that give life to our products, there is a deeper story that deserves to be told. It is the story of the hard-working and dedicated hands of the Mayan artisans who proudly uphold the rich tradition of backstrap loom weaving. However, behind every piece of art there are also challenges and sacrifices that often go unnoticed.

This year, we are proud to share with you the launch of our Health program, an initiative designed to address the medical needs of our beloved artisans. We know that each woven yarn carries with it the weight of generations of tradition and culture, but it can also carry with it aches and injuries that should not be overlooked.

Cojolya's Health program is not just about providing medical care; it is about empowering our artisans to live full and healthy lives. From the initial meeting where we openly discuss the health challenges they face, to the delivery of health cards that give them access to medicines and medical consultations, every step we take is aimed at strengthening our community.

Importantly, this health program not only addresses the physical needs of our artisans, but also contributes to their emotional and economic well-being. By providing them with access to medical care, we are strengthening not only individuals, but also their families and communities as a whole.

We know that the road to wellness is not an easy one, but we are committed to walking together, weaving a healthier and more prosperous future for all. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your continued generosity and support. Each donation we receive brings us one step closer to our vision of a future where the artisans of Cojolya can thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Women weavers link forces between the threads from the early practice of weaving.

One of the family inheritances among women is to transfer ancestral knowledge and traditions to the different generations of families. From grandmothers, mothers, daughters and sisters.

From a young age, girls begin the practice of weaving, the goal is to learn, improve quality and generate income to cover food, clothing and other family expenses.

Catalina, Dolores and Catarina are three single sisters who have always lived together. Since the early death of their parents, they have generated one hundred percent of their income through the practice of weaving.

The three sisters get up every day at five in the morning, one or two of them take clothes to the lake to wash from the early hours of the day, later, Catalina is in charge of going to the market every day to buy fresh vegetables , is also in charge of visiting the Cojolya workshop to bring raw materials and thus continue working. They take advantage of several hours of the day to knit and thus achieve income in a month to cover all household expenses.

The three sisters are already advanced in age, as the years go by, the daily routine becomes more exhausting for the body. Due to their same economic situation, for years they have not had medical attention to take care of their health.

They are currently part of the health program where they are supported to receive medical consultation, acquire medications to care for themselves.

Catalina, Dolores and Catarina enjoy and love working in the weaving factory every day.

Health care is essential so that weaving artisans can continue working and practicing what they love and know how to do to generate the necessary income for the family.

Thank you for contributing to the health of the artisans!