Provide Medical Care to Maya Women Artisans

At Cojolya we understand that health is not only medical care. It is also based on self-esteem, on respect, on feeling valued. That is why, in addition to offering health cards, medical assistance and workshops on important topics for physical care, we also promote activities that strengthen the emotional well-being and empowerment of our craftswomen.
During these months, several weavers have shared their ancestral knowledge through classes, tours and demonstrations of the backstrap loom. Each visitor who comes not only learns a craft technique, but also connects with the history, patience and dedication that lives in each thread.
This exchange goes beyond a cultural experience: it is a form of empowerment. Teaching allows artisans to see themselves as masters, as bearers of valuable knowledge. Some of them put it this way:

“When someone listens to me and learns from me, I feel important and valued, especially in our roots and traditions. It makes me want to continue weaving and showing more of my work and my people, where I was born with joy.”
-Maria artisan in Cojolya

“At first I was a little afraid to teach a class because the student spoke almost no Spanish, and I thought she would not understand anything. I was worried. But then I said to myself: the weaving has guided me all my life, it can also guide anyone else. It was amazing, because it didn't take much talking. There was a connection - between her, me and the weaving - that made everything flow. I realized that when you have been passionate about something since you were a child, language is not a barrier. Knowledge and the love of sharing it are what really matter. And that brought us together, and besides that, with each student you learn how to manage, how to express yourself and communicate and take away that fear of: “he won't understand me” but to dare and learn how to manage in a class and feel confident to share your knowledge.”
-Andrea artisan in Cojolya

In addition, their participation in these activities represents a fair income for their time and dedication. At Cojolya we believe in ethical and sustainable tourism, where the knowledge, effort and time of each woman is respected and well remunerated. We know that each artisan has different needs -some related to her health or that of her family- and this remuneration can help them face those situations with a little more peace of mind.
Today we can say that, thanks to this comprehensive approach, we continue to care for the health of our craftswomen not only with medicine, but also with self-esteem, recognition and real opportunities. Because every time a woman feels proud of what she does, her well-being flourishes.
Thank you for being part of this collective fabric that transforms lives with every support.