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The Kolem Chee’n Projects
Based in San Cristobal de las Casas “La Fundacion Yirtrak” is a legally established non-governmental organisation.
Its main objectives are: to create and develop holistic education centres where children can enjoy cultural, social and educational exchanges, to promote and produce clean energy and organic food; to improve the living conditions of all human beings under a perspective of cultural and social inclusion and to promote the care, respect and balance among all living beings.
Promoted by one of Yirtrak members, the project in Arroyo Chispa village is part of a wider effort toward the promotion and implementation of a sustainable and ecological life and construction style.
The Kolem Chee'n community in Arroyo Chispa manages and looks after a nature path connecting the location with neighbouring natural caves.
The project has three main objectives: the construction of an ecological and self-sustainable house, the development and improvement of the natural path connecting the caves and the creation of an environmental education centre (including educational material).
All the material and the techniques used during the project will be respectful of the natural surroundings and will be adapted to the ecological, social, cultural and economic characteristics of the area.
The project will be realised in 4 months by and for the community; everything will be planned and agreed upon with the locals (actions, choices of the materials, etc.). The activities and the implementation of the project will be documented through the creation of reports and documents. The volunteers will contribute to the overall development of the project.
Title: “Kolem Chee’n project”
Chee’n ethnic group, Tacotalpa municipality, Tabasco State, South Mexico
| CODE | NAME | LOCATION | DATES | TYPE | AGE | MAX VOLS |
| NAT 01 | Kolem Chee’n 1 | Tacotalpa | 13/06 – 28/06 | EDU/CONS | 18 + | 8 |
| NAT 04 | Kolem Chee’n 2 | Tacotalpa | 27/06 – 12/07 | EDU/CONS | 18 + | 8 |
Background
The Yirtrak Foundation A.C. supports local communities in the South of Mexico, particularly in the indigenous areas in Chiapas, towards a more sustainable social development. They offer environmental education trainings, build water treatment plants, develop environmentally friendly buildings and share construction techniques for the community. The volunteers, together with local volunteers, will support this project in a Chee’n indigenous community in Southern Tabasco state.
Work
The major activities will be environmental education, an awareness campaign and training course for the community with the help of local volunteers. Volunteers will also participate in the construction of an ecological building that will become a centre for environmental education and eco-technological building techniques. Finally, they will create a documentary about the global aspects of the project and the community.
Study theme
The volunteers will learn about ecological and sustainable construction techniques, environmental education techniques and about the social and environmental reality of indigenous communities in Southern Mexico
Leisure Time
Volunteers will organise their leisure time with the support of the project coordinator but in accordance with the necessities of the project. Vilahermosa, Palenque and San Cristobal aren’t far and the coast is at about 150 Km more north. Some leisure time will be taken with the community during informal times.
Accommodation
The volunteers will be hosted together in a house in the community. Self cooking and cleanings in shifts. Very basic Mexican conditions. Sleeping bag and mat needed.
Location
Arroyo Chispa village, Tacotalpa municipality, Southern Tabasco region, Southern Mexico. The community is very close to the border with Chiapas. Palenque is about 50 Km East.
Terminal
National: San Cristobal de las Casas. International: Mexico city or Cancun
Special Requirement
No special Profile is required for this project. Basic Spanish language is required. Volunteers experienced with education, construction, graphic art or computer multimedia will be particularly interested in this project. A large adaptability is required from the volunteers for all these projects.
Extra fee
2250 Mexican Pesos (about 215 US$ / 140 € )
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