Meeting Grupo Cajola

Justine reports: The MIA delegation drove to the state of Quetzaltenango and visited Cajola, a 500-year-old town nestled in the highlands with a population of approximately 18,000. The people of Cajola, 93% of whom are Maya Mam, still use the Mam language and are one of the oldest of people of Mesoamerica. Unfortunately, with a poverty index of 94%, Cajola is typical of the indigenous people of Guatemala.


We visited the headquarters of Grupo Cajola, an organization based in Cajola and in Morristown, New Jersey, where the group was formed in 2000 by Eduardo, a proud son of Cajola. In Morristown, Eduardo became involved in the immigrant rights organization that was founded by Karen Maxim, one of Grupo Cajola’s directors. Together, Eduardo and Karen have developed and implemented bi-national projects to help develop enterprises to benefit the town of Cajola.

Eduardo has since returned to Cajola to help his community, and Karen now splits her time between Cajola and Morristown. By implementing her knowledge gained as a former corporate businesswoman, along with her and Eduardo’s unprecedented dedication and compassion, Grupo Cajola has created continuously expanding development projects, including an egg farm, textile business, and leadership training to help empower the women of Cajola.




Eduardo’s family graciously hosted a traditional Guatemalan lunch for MIA. We got the chance to see the results of Grupo Cajola’s hard work when Karen gave us a tour of the chicken farm through which the egg business operates, as well as a glimpse into the space where the women weave their textiles.


We also took a tour of the village’s town center, which now contains a library and Internet center, along with several other important developments made possible by the support of Grupo Cajola.








MIA then met with the two groups of women who work in Cajola’s egg farming and textile businesses. The MIA members and sisters of Cajola sat side by side in a circle as we discussed the adversities facing the women of the town, the progress that Grupo Cajola has helped make, and inquired about each other’s lives as Cajola women and as Americans. Language barriers were transcended through laughter, and despite the radically different lives of the women of Cajola and the delegates in the United States, a true solidarity was formed and the MIA delegates gained enormous inspiration from Grupo Cajola and its women who are committed to the positive developments of the beautiful town.


Now more from our male delegate, Celso Baez:

So about this only male thing. I soon noticed I was volunteered to join Chris at night to park the space van. I have no complaints. Our lovely walks back to Casa San Jose made for good conversation. However I won't mention any names, but I heard a few delegates were bothered by the decision to have the only male in the delegation accompany the other male. "We can all go," "(I) could also join Chris", were some of the things mentioned. I'd encourage anyone to join us next time.

Problem solved.

We made our way out of Casa San Jose at the break of dawn. Cajola was our destination. We spent five and a half hours on endless winding roads that ascended and descended. The scenery was gorgeous. The cultivated lands accented the magnificent mountains. We finally arrived after a few delays on the road due to traffic and a stretch break.

Grupo Cajola is a community-based organization based in the U.S. -Morristown and Atlanta-and in Guatemala. In Guatemala they are considered non-profit status. They organized on the fundamental values of rights for women, men, children, youth and the elderly. More importantly, they organized to promote the well being of the people of Cajola so that they have equal rights to a dignified life, including health, education, safety, and integral development.

Cajola is a town of 18,000, located in the highlands of the department state of Quetzaltenango. 93% of the people are Maya Mam. The Mam are one of the oldest people in Mesoamerica, and still speak their own language. Cajola was founded more than 500 years ago. Cajola means, "son of water" because of its rivers. 25% of Cajola's people live in the central, urbanized section while the other 75% live in the outlying rural area. Agriculture is the most important economic activity.

Unfortunately, Cajola has a high poverty index, 94% of the people live in poverty, 57% in extreme poverty. I was in utter shock when I heard there was only one health center with one doctor. 69% of Cajola's people are illiterate, 77% of her housing is in bad condition, 41% of the houses are overcrowded, 49% lack sanitary services.

Karen Maxim from New Jersey along with Eduardo, a community leader, have managed to increase the commerce, which has subsequently boosted the spirit of Cajola. Together with treadle looms and the skills to sell a fine basket of eggs, the women of Cajola have successfully jump-started a lucrative chicken and textile business. Like all other businesses, the women of Cajola have suffered a fair share of setbacks.

However, the M.I.A. delegation was concerned with issues regarding their safety and their rights. Over fresh coffee and sweet bread, the delegates and the women of Cajola met to discuss a typical day. Some of them mentioned a recent killing of a woman near the village. Some say she was involved in a lustful affair, others don't know exactly why she was murdered. We asked about their reaction and what preventive measures they have taken to be aware of potential heinous situations. They say that most of them are already in their homes either preparing dinner or maintaining other household duties. They say the man has the career, and the woman doesn't. They talked about economic threats against the woman when the man is challenged. This is MIA's concern. This is what we are against. Women cannot live in a constant oppressive environment where fear is at every corner. The women in Cajola must be educated, and financially literate. Their kids need a fair chance to flourish and escape the cycle of generational poverty. Simple.

While MIA takes great leaps in their efforts to voice the concerns of Cajola and women in Guatemala, it may or may not come as a surprise but these same issues resonate with me too. Remember, the male of the group?