📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The hosting cooperative is the eco-community Ha O Mek Ka (which translated from the Mayan language means 'eoeThe Continuity of The Beginning without End'e ), a sustainable project located in the small community of Tzajal , Chiapas. The cooperative, with its traditional workshops such as jewellery, sales of organic coffee and projects related to sustainable development, functions as an agro-ecological experimental farm. Ha O Mek Ka is a place where one lives in a community, where everyone works and learns about nutrition (preparation of natural, local, and largely vegetarian food), herbal medicine (gardening, medicinal tinctures, preparation of ointments), horticulture (vegetable gardens), preparation of compost and vermicompost, promoting the use of dry toilets, canning, care of domestic animals (such as chickens), conservation of plants and seeds, beekeeping and mushroom cultivation. Everything is done from a holistic view of respecting and protecting the environment, promoting integration with the local community and development of the local economy. The collective work is also oriented to the rescue of our culture, with the realization of 'eoetemazcales'e (pre-Hispanic steam baths), the showing of traditional dances, projection of documentaries, etc.
💼 What the programme involves
The volunteers will work approximately 5 hours per day from Monday to Friday. The time of the year, the local climate and the local needs will determine the activities to be performed. These could include: construction (including the continuation of a pathway), creation of planting beds, vegetables, fertilizers, agro-ecology, beekeeping, working with clay, use of medicinal plants, conservation of organic products, compost, vermiculture, traditional cooking, soap making and other crafts. During June, September and October, when there are heavy rains, most of the work is limited to indoor activities. In their free time, volunteers can practice other craft activities, swim in the river or walk to the nearby waterfall.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Volunteers will stay in dormitories and will use compost toilets. The centre has hot water and a fully equipped kitchen. The workcamps include three meals a day with standard quantities (about 300 grams per portion), additional quantities should be covered by the volunteer. Any special dietary requirements should be informed before the workcamp starts.
📍 About the location
Ha O Mek Ka is located in Tzajal , an hour and a half away from San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. It is idyllically situated in a subtropical valley surrounded by lush vegetation and a nearby river.
ℹ️ Additional information
Minors will be accepted only with parents signed consent