Cotzaselch's Cooperative is a lasting project in benefit of Tzajalá's village. With their workshops of traditional jewelery, their agro-ecological experimental farm (horticulture, coffee, medicinal plants, etc) the cooperative develops sustainable development projects in total agreement with the nature.
Supported by the French Association SIERRA with whom Nataté has recently signed a 2-year cooperation agreement, the cooperative integrates voluntary service in its activities and the organisation of international workcamps is becoming an important tool for the organisation.
Activities:
The volunteers will work mainly on organic agriculture, as well as construction using ecological and traditional materials and will rehabilitate several of the cabins in the Ha O Mek Ka community. They will have the opportunity to produce diverse handicrafts and will learn and apply techniques of permaculture, horticulture, compost making, lombriculture, amongst others.
Duration of the project:
From 6-12 months.
Location:
Tzajalá, municipality of Ocosingo; approximately 1 hour from San Cristobal de las Casas.
Food and Accommodation:
The volunteers will be staying in one of the cabins of the hosting centre. It can be either shared or an individual room. Meals will be provided by the centre but volunteers will have the chance to participate in their preparation.
Travel:
By plane - Arrival airport is Tuxtla Gutiérrez. From the airport it is possible to catch a collective taxi or a shutter bus to San Cristóbal de las Casas. Volunteers can arrive in Mexico City and take a bus to San Cristobal de las Casas. The trip is long (13 hours) but cheaper than the plane. By Bus - Arrival bus terminal is OCC in San Cristóbal de las Casas. From there walk till the office.
Leisure activities:
There are many opportunities for volunteers to enjoy their stay in Mexico. Only in the state of Chiapas the possibilities to visit places and have an enriching cultural experience are many. Guatemala is also nearby and volunteers can take advantage of this geographical situation.
Drug use:
The drug situation in Mexico is quite complicated. While most of the violence occurs between the drug cartels and drug dealers, volunteers must be aware of the risks that imply the use of drugs. In any case the use of any type of drugs is prohibited in Nataté's house or any of the projects' premises. Nataté will not be tolerant with anyone using drugs in the house or in the projects. Not abiding to this rule will be a reason for being expelled.
Language:
Spanish is the main language in the project.
Hosting Fee:
There is a participation fee of 2500 Mexican pesos per month (about 115 GBP). This fee covers accommodation and food plus administrative costs.
« When volunteering in Malawi and Tanzania while at school and during my year out I developed a love of East Africa and soon felt itchy to go back. On discovering VAP I found a number of workcamps in Kenya and at far more affordable prices than any 'volunteer abroad' organisations. I chose a 6 week workcamp based at a secondary school in western Kenya... »
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