Location
Multiple Locations +2
  • Guatemala
    • Xela
  • Online
Length
4 weeks

Program Details

Language
Spanish
Age Min.
16
Timeframe
Short Term Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Host Family Hostel Hotel
Groups
Small Group (1-15)
Travel Type
Budget Solo Women

Pricing

Price Details
We do not ask the volunteer for any financial contribution. However, we are unable to cover volunteer expenses or provide accommodation. We will help you find accommodation in the city in an apartment or hostel!
What's Included
Activities Wifi
What's Not Included
Accommodation Airfare Meals SIM cards Transportation Travel Insurance
May 24, 2021
May 03, 2021
9 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trama Textiles is a cooperative of Guatemalan artisans who preserve ancient Mayan traditions through the techniques of backstrap loom weaving, making different types of products to sell in local and international markets using fair trade principles. The cooperative allows dozens of indigenous women to become economically independent, without having to give up their cultural identity.

We are looking for volunteers in the following sectors:
Business development
Sales
Social media
Graphic design
Textile design and manufacturing
Photography
Fundraising
Impact Evaluation
Web development, SEO or e-commerce strategies.

Commitment and Benefits:
Volunteers work for at least a month, working around 10-20 hours a week.
They have the opportunity to learn about Mayan textile culture and, if they wish, they can also visit the artisans in their villages.

We also happily accept virtual volunteers!

If you have any questions, please email coordinator@tramatextiles.org.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Opportunity to learn about ancient Mayan traditions and textiles
  • Improve your Spanish skills
  • Work directly with indigenous women and experience their way of life
  • Partner with an enthusiastic team of volunteers from all over the world
  • Improve your professional skills

Program Impact

Testimonials:

It was amazing to work directly with indigenous weavers and to contribute to building a better infrastructure for them that would help for years to come. Overall, it was an incredible experience and will be planning to go back in the future. "

-Marie-Claude
Volunteer with Trama Textiles

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 1 review
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  • Impact 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 reviews
Default avatar
Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experiences

Hello, I worked as a volunteer at Tramatextiles for three months from the end of January to April 2020. I had never worked as a volunteer before. I have not studied any training in these areas. I was shown basic Photoshop steps. That's how I learned to edit pictures. I was allowed to contribute to the design of the pictures. I took photos on white backgrounds, flatlays and other images for the e-commerce platforms and social media channels. Photos were also taken of me. I was able to design and upload some pictures for Pinterest. I update the inventory using Excel. I packed ordered goods and made invoices in the store in Xela. If you have ideas, Trama Textiles is quite open and you can implement them. I was able to take away a lot of my time in Tramatextiles. I learned basic steps from Adobe Photoshop and Excel. I was able to train my eye better while taking photos. I was able to try out a lot while taking pictures and playing with the colors. I was able to improve my English and Spanish and got an insight into the work of NGOs. I also got an insight into weaving. I learned that weaving is very important in Guatemala. Each shape or animal has a different meaning. I also learned to weave my own table runner.
As Tramatextiles-team we went out to eat, got to know xela better, went to trivia nights, went for coffee together, did a potluck, did photo shoots, etc. If you would like to get an insight into how NGOs and online shops work, then I can recommend Trama Textiles. Xela is also good for learning Spanish. There are several Spanish schools. At the weekend you can go on volcanoes, go to the lake or the beach or you can get to know Xela better.
Thank you tramatextiles. I had a great time!

Julia

132 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers