Mayan Hands Foundation

Mayan Hands economic opportunities program provides consistent fair wages to more than 170 expert maya women artisans by connecting them to consumers in an international market. Living in rural communities, most artisans have little formal education, but through Mayan Hands they participate in business skill development activities including calculating fair trade wages, tracking production, preparing necessary documentation for financial transactions, and filing taxes. Ongoing design and technical skill training supports women artisans in the development of innovative, top-quality products. In addition, artisans participate in programs that support the development of leadership skills, strengthen cooperative structure through democratic decision-making, and promote occupational and personal health. This year, 147 women participated in self-esteem and emotional health workshops, 99 women received individual counseling from a trained psychologist, and 92 women received prescription glasses following comprehensive vision exams.

Mayan Hands promotes health and well-being through a preventive health program offering culturally sensitive education and treatment. This year, 147 women participated in self-esteem and emotional health workshops, 99 women received individual counseling from a trained psychologist, and 92 women received prescription glasses following comprehensive vision exams. Nine women participated in community health promoter training to gain more fluency in health topics and serve as resources for others navigating medical treatment.

Mayan Hands invests in the next generation by offering access to educational opportunities to both the daughters of our artisan partners and the artisans themselves. Many maya girls continue to face enormous barriers to education because of limited access, gender-based perceptions of girls and women's roles, and high education costs. During this fiscal year, we provided scholarships and family stipends to 67 students who would not otherwise be able to attend school: 10 in primario (elementary school - 4th, 5th and 6th grade), 22 in basico (junior high school), 10 in diversificado (senior high school), 23 in universities and 2 in vocational training programs. Mayan Hands distributed school supplies to 139 children of our artisan partners. Students participate in a twice-yearly interactive programs for all scholarship students and their families, addressing personal development and gender in society.