What is Alma de Colores?
Alma de Colores (Colorful Soul) is an inclusive workshop for people with disabilities in the Lake Atitlán region. Located in San Juan La Laguna, the workshop employs 23 people between the ages of 16 and 44 with different disabilities; they work in five areas: handicrafts, sewing and needlework, a bakery, an organic garden, and a diner and coffee shop.
Project Café Correcto:
The diner and organic garden are run as part of the international project Café Correcto. Alma de Colores is one of several services offered free by the Centro Maya Servicio Integral, which also offers therapies, special education, and other services to people of all ages with disabilities.
The 23 workers at Alma de Colores receive fair wages through timely payments for each product delivered. They also receive benefits such as food, transport, and interest-free educational loans, as well as having access to a health fund which they can use to meet their medical needs.
About Their Work:
The work of Alma de Colores is performed with a philosophy of justice, inclusion, and solidarity – a philosophy which also extends to their products. Local seeds are used in the making of handicrafts; the bakery also makes use of the seeds in wholemeal bread; the sewing is done with recycled fabrics; the garden promotes traditional plants; and lastly, the diner serves natural and nutritious meals. They also work with other businesses which have similar philosophies and they organize awareness activities with the communities in which they work.
How to Help:
If you would like to help Alma de Colores, you can find out about volunteer opportunities and/or how to establish links with similar groups in your community. You can also learn about organizing events to disseminate information about the project and to raise funds or collect materials. You can visit them in San Juan La Laguna and get to know the shop as well as enjoy a delicious lunch.
Contact:
Facebook: /AlmadeColores2012
Email: [email protected]
Written by: Alma de Colores
Photo by: Alma de Colores
Translation by: Kevin Cole
