Ha O Mek Ka 4

Project: The center Ha O Mek Ka is a place to live in community, where everybody works together,
sharing knowledge about different topics such as nutrition (preparing natural local food, mostly
vegetarian), herbal medicine (gardening, tailoring dyes and ointments), vegetable planting, preparing
compost, vermicompost, promoting the use of dry bath, fruit harvest for transformation, seed and plant
conservation, domestic animal care (e.g. chickens, sheep), experimental beekeeping and fungi cultivation;
all within an integral vision of environmental friendliness, harmonious integration with the local people,
and developing local economy through the products of the Cotzalselch cooperative, with workshops and
the cafe shop for sales. The collective works in the culture rescue sharing “temazcales” (prehispanic steam
bath), favoring traditional dancing and consciousness with documentary films, etc. All the activities
depend on the seasons, the weather and also local needs. In your free time, you can practice manual and
craft activities, swim in the river or walk to the waterfall.
Work: Several construction projects will be the focus of the workcamp, including the continuation of a
pathway, renovation and building of cabins, and the creation of raised beds for cultivation. As well,
volunteers will become involved with and learn about the activities of the farm such as harvest,
processing, and preservation of organic produce, composting, lombriculture, jewelry making, use of
medicinal plants, soap making, cooking, and other crafts. Volunteers may also make presentations in local
rural schools.
Natate Voluntariado Internacional A.C. Calle Real de Mexicanos, 10 ,Barrio de Mexicanos-, 9240
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
Phone: +52 (01) 967 631 69 18 Cel: +52 1 967 102 59 47 e-mail: natate@natate.org
Accommodation: The Ha O Mek Ka center has wooden cabins. In accordance with
the philosophy of the centre, volunteers will be using compost toilets.. Be prepared for hand washing your
own clothes.Try to be environmentally friendly as possible and use resources with care and modesty,
especially because your behaviour is part of the project ;)
Location: Tzajala is located 1.5 hours from San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. Located in a sub-tropical
valley and surrounded by lush vegetation with a clear-running river on site, Ha O Mek Ka is truly idyllic.
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.