The Rotary Club of Barre recently contributed funds for this very worthwhile project in Guatemala.
- With the funds remaining we were able to buy an electric molino (grinder) to make it easier on the women to not have to grind the cacao beans by hand. This process, although traditional, proved to be extremely tiresome and time consuming causing the women to feel rushed with other parts of the chocolate making process. Additionally, we bought a special refrigerator for the chocolates, rather than using the office fridge which caused potential cross contamination.
- The women created their own logo in the last workshop with the Ministry of Economy and we were able to pay for a banner for them to bring to each selling event.
- Halfway through the project we were able to hire a different teacher who taught new techniques and expanded on the skills learned with the first teacher. Her name is Alejandra, and she works at a chocolate business in Antigua that caters to tourists called La Trunfa Chapina. With Alejandra, the women learned how to decorate, use a chocolate base known as Cobertura, as well as make “Cake Pops” and “Chocolate Bombs”.
- The women celebrated this project with a closing ceremony with a wonderful, powerful, motivational presentation by two local women who spoke about their experiences overcoming domestic violence and what they have done to feel empowered in their lives. The presentation was followed by diplomas, gift bags, profits made, cake, sandwiches, and many photos and hugs.
- So far the women have been able to sell the chocolates at public events on four different occasions. Two here in Zaragoza, and two in the nearby town of Patzún. The chocolates are also on sale on a daily basis in the lobby of the organization’s office. There are two upcoming events, the first on the 25th of November which is the day to recognize violence against women, and the other a Christmas Bazaar where they will have a table with their chocolate products both drinkable and edible.
- Although my time with the project is coming to an end in December, I have been working closely with Deisy who works at the Organization. As of January, her entire focus at the office will be to run the chocolate project with the women participants. The Director also plans to hire someone else to assist Deisy in the upcoming year. The organization intends to have the current participants eventually teach new participants who are interested in being involved in the project.
If you would like to follow Mujeres Mejorando Vidas organization they can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/mujeresmejorandovidas
The business where Alejandra works (our second chocolate teacher) can be found here: https://www.latrufachapina.com