Grupo Cajola
Grupo Cajola is an organization that models ways that community empowerment can take place. NERIKO Institute is very inspired by this ever-growing organization and would love to share and spread the words about this organization and its related coop--Maya Mam Weavers. See the links below and visit their websites for more information!
Below is "Our Story" from their website. Visit their website via the link above:
"On a soccer field in Morristown, NJ in 2000 a group of young undocumented immigrants from Cajola (in the western highlands of Guatemala) gathered to talk about a companion, Pedro Vail, who had been hit by a car. None of his friends had felt safe enough to come to his aid while he was in the hospital. Outsiders decided to send him back to Guatemala, where he died two days after arriving. This incident inspired the young men to organize themselves. They vowed to watch over Cajolenses and other countrymen when they faced illness, accidents, or tragedy while in the United States. The commitment to community solidarity led them to people who helped them understand their underdog position in the US and the structural causes that led them to leave their homes. And thus was born their dream to change the situation in their home town of Cajola so that people weren't forced to migrate. So, In 2005, some members returned to Cajolá to begin that work, and thus was born Association Grupo Cajola in Cajola.
In 2021 we organized Grupo Cajola in North America to support the work of Grupo Cajola in Cajola."
"About" info from their webpage: visit their website via the link above:
"Mayamam Weavers create handwoven home goods and accessories for modern living, inspired by the rich colors and patterns and traditional weaving techniques of Mayan culture. As well as beautiful, our products are soft 100% cotton, and durable enough for everyday use.
We began in 2008 as a cooperative of women in Cajolá, a Mayan town in the western highlands of Guatemala. To overcome poverty, the women came together to explore ways to provide jobs within their community, rather than migrate to the U.S. and separate their families. Since then, then cooperative has grown to 20 weavers and seamstresses, all earning fair trade wages while learning the skills to run a business.
It also provides on-site childcare and adult literacy classes for the community. Mayamam Weavers in the U.S. is based in Morristown, NJ. We are proud members of the Fair Trade Federation.
We are proud to offer products that make a difference in the lives of women and provide a better future for their children."
