📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The project Jaguar de Madera (the Wooden Jaguar) it’s an educational center of eco-technologies established in 2007 in order to promote the bio-construction, permaculture, carpentry and cultural exchange.
After a process of rescue and cleanup of a vacant lot and the support and collaboration of other organizations, it was carried out the rehabilitation and construction of what would become a training center for use and application of various alternative technologies for recycling materials and natural resources. The mission of Jaguar de Madera is to aim the use of efficient natural resources, the sustainable self-sufficiency and improvement of life quality with a positive impact in the environment. Some of the bio-construction techniques applied are; superblock, construction with bottle, cob and adobe. It also develops organic agricultural projects and renewable energies such as “bicimaquinas” (bike-machines), solar panels and wood stove. Likewise, members of the center, follow the alternative philosophy of energetic Kung Fu, with the slogan “Learn to fight for not to fight. The warrior’s battles are with himself”. So this way they give a spiritual sense to their work (optional practice for volunteers).
💼 What the programme involves
Volunteers will be able to learn and practice different techniques of bio-construction, using low cost local recycled materials and natural resources. The tasks will depend on climate conditions and needs of the center, but hard physical work as to be considered, each workcamp will have as principal aim to achieve the following activities ; December; Making of artistic furniture and stuff with recycled materials
🏠 Accommodation on site
Accommodation will depend on the workcamp location, it can be in San Cristobal de las Casas city or in the eco-town Jaguar de Madera which still in construction, located in Rancheria San Jose Buena Vista around 1 hour away from San Cristobal’s center. Volunteers will sleep ins specific places for their relaxation in tents ( it is required that each volunteer brings its own sleeping bag , tent and yoga mat), actually there are cabins in construction, so, some of them are for hosting volunteers, but sometimes there is not enough room. There are no hot water showers, however water can be boiled and use buckets to get a shower. The kitchen is very basic and ecological so wood stove must be used and all volunteers will participate cooking. Workcamps include 3 meals a day is standard quantities (300grams portion approximately), Extra food portions have to be covered by the volunteer. Any special diet requirement has to be informed by the volunteer before the beginning of the project.
📍 About the location
San Cristóbal de las Casas, which has maintained its colonial architecture and its Mexican flavor, while welcomes a mix of indigenous, national and international cultures. This is a strategic starting point for tourist attractions like parks, lakes, Mayan archeological sites, mangroves, waterfalls and beaches. For more information visit: www.vivesancristobal.com www.visitmexico.com/en/san-cristobal-de-las-casas
⚠️ Requirements
Interested volunteers to participate in this project must be older than 18 years old, to have an opened mind and flexibility to work in a totally ecological environment and contact with nature and to be prepared for physical work. The project requires a minimum of a month stay. Do not to complain about climate adversities and the living space.
ℹ️ Additional information
Before Applying …
• Mosquito bites are unavoidable and insects are very common because of the forest area, so, we ask you to be conscious of this fact and be sure you are not allergic.
• The drinking water undergoes a natural filtration process according to the permaculture’s philosophy. There is no electricity or telephone signal.