The Cuchareros (Spoonmakers) began in 2000 with an idea from a Concern America team member to create a way to support the health promoters who were studying and working with Concern America's Health Project in the Petén region. The hope was to create a solution for some of the many expenses while they were dedicating more of their time to the project, which was always a service to the community. The Concern America volunteer began making spoons as a hobby. He orientated us with the work and the use of the tools and gave us several different designs and techniques for working with the wood. As time progressed, there were more demands for our spoons and we began to develop better skills in the craft and in strengthening our project.
In 2003, the same Concern America volunteer began to teach the work to a group of young individuals by the shores of Lake Atitlan, in San Lucas Toliman. The group enjoyed the art and the newly acquired skill. While it began with everyone having to share the same tool, little by little, the project grew. The SLT has many similarities to that in Petén, however, the group is not tied to any health promoter project, nor is it a formal cooperative. But as a group, it works collectively in completing orders, making decisions, and donating to community social programs. Throughout the years, both groups have continued their support of social programs in local communities. Petén has maintained its ties to the health promoter project and SLT has continued its support to the elderly in their community. In addition, we have benefited from the technical assistance and financial support from the Catholic Parishes in Petén and San Lucas Tolimán and from Concern America. Their support has helped with our meetings, to do evaluations of our group, and with sales of our products. In addition, they have helped us maintain a relationship between the two groups of Spoonmakers, those from Petén and those from San Lucas Tolimán, which are on opposite sides of the country. We work together not only in the selling and sending of our products, but also to exchange designs and ideas regarding the administration of our groups.
And, of course, the project would not be functional without the support of our buyers. We are greatly appreciative of all of those who have contributed to our project through purchasing our spoons, donations, and telling others about our project. We hope that our customers are satisfied with the products they purchase from us and understand the difference they are making. |
