Artisans Program in ACG

In July of 2005 the Scholarship program of the ACG Youth began a new phase in the training of artisans. There are currently 8 youth of the ethnicity Maya K’iche’ (5 girls and 3 boys, ages 14-17 from the village of Pacajá that are being trained in Mayan painting on wood. If this pilot project is a success and if the youth are able to sell their products we hope to extend this training to youth of other Mayan communities and for those who are currently being trained to continue their studies.

Short History of the Artisans in ACG

· In 1994 a group of youth from the ethnicity Maya Mam who were members of ACG from the village of Copal AA La Esperanza asked for support from ACG to elaborate the colored weavings. Today they sell those products to national and international delegations. This helps them in supporting their families.

· In July of 1995 Francisca Pérez and Cirila Cruz were invited by “Taipéis Gael” of Ireland to participate in an interchange of knowledge between weavers. The NGO Trocaire made a video of this visit.

· In January 1999 two youth of ACG were trained in Mayan sculpture by the well known sculptor Don Lito Lara in the town of Copán Ruinas, Honduras. Today many people continue to admire their sculptures.