Project Proposal

Sewing Machines for San Jorge la Laguna, Sololá, Guatemala

Submitted by Mayan Families, May 2006

Mayan Families, a small non-profit organization based in Panajachel, works with extremely impoverished families in San Jorge and other villages in the Guatemalan Highlands.  In San Jorge, Mayan Families' focus is Mujeres de Bahia San Jorge, an organization of 213 Kaqchikel women.  Our recent survey found that 75% of these families have daily incomes of about $1 per person. 

Until recently Mayan Families was shipping containers from Canada to Guatemala with used sewing machines, medical equipment, clothing, etc.  Bureaucratic obstacles and costs have disrupted this shipping program, leading us to seek another way to provide sewing machines. 

Currently we have 11 refurbished sewing machines, a 4-month-long training course (2 classes per week), a classroom and a teacher who is a tailor and also repairs sewing machines (see picture below).  We have a graduating class of students who would like to have their own machines.  These women are not asking for charity.  They are willing to pay for sewing machines and could afford small monthly payments.  These graduates could purchase the 11 machines they trained-on, but then there would be no machines for the next eager class. 

Implementation Plan 

Step 1)  Provide More Sewing Machines and Training 

Mayan Families has located a Guatemala source of good used sewing machines for Q900 each ($120, the exchange rate is about 7.5 Quetzales = $1).  We propose to use microcredit to allow women to purchase machines and pay for their training. 

The following table shows the cost per student for a machine and training:

Step 2) Manage Cash Flow and Evaluate Trial Program

One month after graduating, each woman would begin payments of Q50 monthly until she has paid Q1231 ($164).  As payments are received they would be recycled into the program to help pay for additional machines and training.  Eventually we envision purchasing 154 sewing machines using this plan.  As shown by the spreadsheet below, at 11 students per class and 4-month classes, Mayan Families would complete training in January 2011, and we would finish collecting payments in February 2013!   

In this proposal Mayan Families requests funds for a 13-month trial program, beginning June 2006 and running through June 2007.  This will fund the purchase of 44 sewing machines for 4 classes of 11 women each.  This trial program will also give us experience with repayments to determine whether or not the program should be extended.  After the trial we will also discuss with the grantor the appropriate use of continuing cash re-payments.

Sustainable Development

These women are helping themselves and are willing to pay for it.  The money is recycled in the program.  The women are able to work at home on their traditional clothing, reducing its cost.  They learn a valuable skill and may be able to supplement family incomes with a small sewing business.  Mayan Families will review the program to ensure that it is leading to sustainable development.

Mujeres de Bahia San Jorge, Hard at

Work in the Mayan Families Sewing Class.