Medicinal Plant - Health Care Project

Throughout 2011, Maya Traditions operated a Natural Health Care Project for our surrounding communities with generous support from First Peoples Worldwide Fund of the Tides Foundation.  The goals and objectives for the project was to promote and preserve traditional medical practices by empowering Ajq'omaneles (Maya healers) and emerging youth to educate their communities and provide access to affordable and appropriate health care in rural indigenous areas.

The second phase of the project was to continue to strengthen the participants' knowledge and skills with more advanced and in-depth trainings and to prepare them to become stronger advocates of traditional medical practices in their communities.

Participants were able to gain necessary skills and knowledge in identifying medicinal plants and how to effectively implement them into a patient's treatment plan.  Approximately 300 women and children received educational workshops from Maya healers on preventative practices, which drastically strengthens the overall health of their communities.

We hope to expand our medicinal plant garden and possibly transplant several plots of land into rural villages surrounding Panajachel, so other communities can grow their knowledge and build sustained health care systems.  The funding for this program is currently expired, but we hope to receive further grants and donations.  Currently, we are grateful to work with volunteer intern students from a local high school who are eager to help out and are willing to learn about the plant properties and uses.

In 2012 FTM will continue to work on providing access to knowledge and education about the use of medicinal plants particularly as a preventative measure for common illnesses.

For more information on our Fair Trade foundation and social services, visit our website at www.mayatraditions.org