Chichicastenango, Guatemala

In Chichicastenanago  the
Asociacion de Desarrollo de la
Mujer Indigina (ASODEMI)
sponsored sheep and chicken
projects before determining that
micro-lending is the type of
assistance best suited for their
members.

Above: President Ana Suar prepares for meeting
while children play.  The members have a total of
100 children.

Above: A member with
her baby in the
ever-present versatile
Mayan cloth.
Left: Mother, wearing
traditional huipil and
daughter showing the
endearing
Guatemalan smile.

Recently, a team of 3 North American volunteers made the annual visit.  They brought
two donated computers which will facilitate communication with Co-partners'
headquarters.  It will also be used to teach women and children word processing and
email.

The group also delivered training in health and first-aid.

Other activites:

Volunteers created an exhibit of their photos of their visit, called Caras de Kiché,
at a café  in Silver Spring, Maryland.  The opening was attended by 50 people who
were eager to hear about Co-partners' efforts in Guatemala.

A member who visited last year was able to sell some of the embroideries made
in Chichi at a local craft market.  From customer comments, she has been able to
determine where the potential is for more items.

Above: Sisters show off
their colorful embroidery.  
They have a vendor stand
in the local market on
Wednesdays and
Saturdays.

Co-partners of Compesinas is a registered non-profit 501(c)3 organization.  All contributions are tax
deductible to the full extent of the law.