Ergonomic benches for Mexican backstrap weavers

As you know, this project began in Guatemala, and we are actively raising funds and seeking partners to implement it in Mexico.

Progress has been exciting this Fall. Mario, a Maya carpenter in the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala became the first carpenter to receive our start-up kit and tech support. Mario’s mother is a backstrap weaver who leads a women’s textile cooperative, so he’s well-aware of the weaver’s needs. Currently he’s receiving mentoring in precision carpentry and business skills from our partners, one of whom got involved in the project after a friend donated through GlobalGiving in her name last year!

As elsewhere, our goal in Mexico is to help local communities build their own infrastructure for fabrication, distribution, promotion, training and microfinance, so that they aren’t dependent on outside support. Carpenters will make the benches under their own brand and set their own prices. We are eager to implement this model in Mexico for the benefit of women and their communities.

I’m grateful to Juana Ramos, the Maya weaver and trainer who collaborated on the educational DVD, for reminding me recently: “even though this DVD opens a new phase of our work and there’s so much more to do, let’s pause for a moment, be glad, and give thanks that we’ve made it this far!” She’s right, of course. Because this sort of work at the grassroots level takes time, it’s all the more important to celebrate our milestones and express appreciation!

So thank you, to all who’ve given their expertise, money and enthusiasm to help make a reality the dream that someday soon any backstrap weaver who wants the bench will have access to it!

We need and will appreciate your continued participation to implement this project in Mexico in 2010.

I’m delighted to report that plans are taking shape for 2010 with potential partners for this project in Mexico. Meanwhile, I am also excited to report that a carpenter in Guatemala will begin using our start-up kit next month! I’ll be working there for most of September, and will plan to post an update with photos when I return.