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description
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- NOW CLOSED - Sewing co-operative for local women. |
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categories
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location
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uses volunteers
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Yes |
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spanish level
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minimum volunteer time
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volunteer terms
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needed
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Outlets to sell products. |
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available resources
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Sells ropa típica and accesories.
Newsletter. |
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regular events
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email
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email 2
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phone
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294-7454 |
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phone 2
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address
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13 Av 8-43, Zona 3 (home of the directora) |
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website
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director
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Señora Herrera Amparo |
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contacts
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Kate Kerr (exvolunteer) katekerr@yahoo.com |
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general information
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Organizational History: Xelabaj began on April 13, 1998 as a workshop to teach women how to sew their own clothes. The workshop started with 6 sewing machines, 26 women and one instructor. The following October, after 6 months of lessons, several of the women decided to learn how to manufacture and sell clothing to students and tourists in Quetzaltenango in order to improve their economic situation. For their first year and a half, the women of Xelabaj worked without salary. They reinvested the profits from their sales back into Xelabaj to facilitate its growth and development. With the help of volunteers, they continued to develop their product line, learn basic business practices, established accounting and inventory systems, and began advertising in local cafes and hotels frequented by students and tourists. After three years in existence, they have developed their skills in sewing. Today Xelabaj consists of 7 women. The majority of the women have had no formal job experience and Xelabaj represents their first opportunity to participate in an educational and professional environment. Now, however, they need additional volunteers to develop necessary business skills that will enable them to manage a sustainable business. Part of Casa Xelaju. Store hours: Mon-Fri 8-1,2:30-6. Co-op formed April 13, 1998. 60% growth capital, 40% member profit sharing. Prior to forming co-op members were earning $1.40 a day |
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Library
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| bookmark record | id=17 |