13 Threads, Guatemala 2010
DFW Funding: $27,770
Oxlajuj B’atz’ (Thirteen Threads) Web Site: www.oxlajujbatz.org
Program Fact Sheet: More about 13 Threads and the project DFW will support
Food for Thought: Monthly theme, fair trade shopping, recipes, and more
Video clip about 13 Threads
Letter to DFW members from Andrea Branchaud, 13 Threads Director of Development, Monitoring & Evaluation
Letter to DFW members from Ana Lucia Chavez, 13 Threads Field Supervisor
Interim Follow-Up Report September 2011
The Mission: to empower organized groups of indigenous women artisans to bring about changes, through their own efforts, that will alleviate the adverse effects of poverty and improve their quality of life. Oxlajuj B’atz’ (OB) strives to fulfill its mission by focusing on the principles of harmony, sustainability and democracy.
The Project: Dining for Women contribution will support OB’s 2010 Young Mayan Women Internship Program, Women’s Literacy Fund, Candle-making and Rug-making workshops, Community Facilitator trainings in self-esteem, human relations and leadership development, yearly group evaluations, capacity-building and skills workshops for women’s groups, an annual leadership assembly, and a new cultural center.
Why We Love this Program: In poor communities, Mayan women who are marginalized and scarred by war will learn artisan skills and basic business skills (such as identifying markets and products, developing a business plan, identifying assets and defining costs) and obtain the confidence needed to be successful in running a business. Indigenous women are the most marginalized and under-educated segment of Guatemalan society.
