We’ve been very busy at Yo’on Ixim with multiple projects happening at the school and the women’s coop. The students had a pottery workshop today that was taught by an artist who volunteered her time. Thanks to funds raised by my family and friends, we were able to buy the clay and other supplies for the students. The students loved the class, and we can’t wait to see what the finished products look like! If any of the small pots come out well, we intend to use them in our future rooftop garden.
On Wednesdays, college students also come by to teach. They are all education students who are completing a year of practice in order to graduate. I had the chance to observe them lead literacy and PE classes. The kids are very kind to all the teachers they work with, including me, and I appreciate their willingness to adapt to new people.
The women are starting a new project and are learning to make mesh grocery bags. Mexico is about to ban plastic bags in supermarkets, and we are working diligently to put our product on the market as soon as we can. Since last week, the women have been cutting the fabric, braiding the lace that will tie the bags, and printing tags with our logo. We are all excited about this potential new source of income, and we’re also embedding classes on the importance of being eco-friendly. It’s a win-win, and we hope the people of Puebla will like the idea as much as we do!
Tomorrow, we will also put together a workshop for the women focused on making notebooks. Aside from being able to sell these at the market, the real purpose of the workshop is to help the women practice measuring, cutting and familiarizing themselves with numbers.
Every project gives us an opportunity to teach women new skills and reinforce the lessons they’re learning in their literacy classes. It’s very cool to observe their growth!
Trails And Travels 