Chulmeil 2

Project: SYJAC assist displaced and migrant indigenous population who lives in the northern periphery of
San Cristobal de las Casas. It aims to foster solidarity within each community and between communities
to improve people’s quality of life, as well as to promote, systematize and share our experiences in order
to increase the knowledge and skills of groups and people, to procure more and better socialdevelopment
processes. SYJAC current projects include the Ch’ulme’il Mother–Child Education Centre
(Centro de Educacion Materno-infantil Ch’ulme’il), which has been operating for a few years. In Chulmeil
we host 16 children, and accordingly offer services to 16 families of single mothers, most of whom are
domestic workers. The mothers of the children we care for, also receive capacity building and workshops
to help improve their healthcare and education, as well as strengthening their mothering skills.
Work: Volunteers will assist with the activities of the center, including childcare for children ages 3
months to 12 years. They may facility educational and recreational activities with indigenous youth and
also participate in renovations and renovation of the building.
Accommodation: Volunteers stay at the Syjac center in shared rooms (male and female separate). Be
prepared for hand washing your own clothes (or send them to a laundry). Try to be environmentally
friendly as possible and use resources with care and modesty, especially because your behaviour is part of
the project ;)
Location: The beautiful city of San Cristobal de las Casas is the capital of the municipality of the same
name in the Mexican state of Chiapas. Located in the Maya Highlands at an altitude of 2,100 meters, San
Cristobal is a distinctly charming town that has maintained its colonial architecture and Mexican flavour,
while welcoming many contemporary influences. This “pueblo magico” (magical town) has an engaging
character that results from the meeting and blending of indigenous, Mexican, and international bohemian
cultures. The surrounding region exhibits incredible biodiversity and natural areas can be reached from
the city within a half day’s travel or less. Points of interest nearby include natural parks, lakes, Mayan
archeological sites, coastal mangroves, waterfalls, canyons, and the beaches of the Pacific.
Language: English is the most common language used in workcamps, however, being able to
communicate in Spanish can be very useful. Taking the opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish
while here, will greatly enrich your experience!
Comment: You are invited to join the Intensive Spanish Week Program for Volunteers, or also a Mayan
Language Week Program if you are a Spanish speaker and you would like to discover the richness of the
Mayan living culture. The courses take place a week before your workcamp.
Terminal: The closest international airport: Angel Albino Corzo, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas (TGZ). Bus
Terminal: OCC San Cristobal de las Casas.
Extra-fee: Since we do not receive funds to support your participation in the camp, you are asked to
contribute 2,950 Mexican pesos (170 euros aprox.). It includes accommodation, food, administrative
costs, transportation within the project, and some extra activities. The fee has to be paid by volunteers to
campleader or to Natate’s Workcamps Coordinator upon arrival to the meeting point.