Casa Xelajú participates
in a variety of social projects, and uses its contacts with
national and international agencies and universities world-wide
to place interns in specific fields to carry out supervised
internships. Through internships, foreign students gain insight
into the social issues and problems facing Guatemala and help
to contribute to their solutions, and at the same time gain
valuable educational and professional experience. The programs
that Casa Xelajú supports are in turn enhanced by the
abilities, energy, and goodwill that interns bring.
"I spent the summer of 1999 working
with the "Cooperativa de Mujeres Xelabaj", which
is run out of the basement of Casa Xelajú. It was an
incredible learning experience that I will never forget. Being
able to work closely with the community and learn about their
lives and culture is indeed a unique experience. On my last
day the cooperative gave me a "Going Away Party"
in which they thanked me for my hard work and interest. I
returned the compliments with thanks as well, as I truly believe
that I learned more from them than they did from me."
Heather A. Garvie
Graduate Student, George Washington University
"Working with the women's cooperative
I have found myself challenged on a daily basis. For each
day is a new experience; as the indigenous women and I learn
from each other, we grow together."
Monique Yolanda Schumacher
New Jersey
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