Description and Impact

Most of the rural communities outside of Oaxaca are comprised of indigenous and mestizo peoples who are becoming increasingly marginalized as Mexico becomes more and more globalized. As the amount of foreign influence in the country grows, it becomes increasingly more difficult for the indigenous communities to maintain their cultural heritage.  In an effort to ensure the longevity of these richly complex indigenous populations, this organization has developed programs to help teach these people how to create and maintain a community museum.  The museums are of upmost importance in the communities because they provide a place for community members to gather and form committees to discuss how the museum can benefit their community as well as discuss and problem-solve common concerns, identify sources of support for local projects, revitalize traditional dance and music, and develop theatre, radio, and video programs.

What is the overall goal of the project? The overall goal of this project is to motivate and encourage communities to “know who they were and who they can be” by building and strengthening their own community museum. The museums are a way for communities to solidify ancestral values and are an excellent way to exchange experiences and provide a space to discuss and confront state national and international issues that impact the community. Not only do the museums benefit the cultural solidarity of the community but they also strength the communities’ ability to display, educate and promote their arts and crafts through tourism.  

What's Included

• Homestay with a carefully-screened Mexican family
• Daily meals (you will receive three meals a day)
• Project funding and support
• Spanish language classes
• Onsite transportation, airport pickup and a stipend for return travel
• Health and travel insurance
• Cultural and adventure excursions
• 24-hour support from ProWorld Mexcio staff
• Access to Casa ProWorld Mexico – unlimited filtered water, wireless internet

What's Not Included

• Airfare, Visa and Airport Tax (if applicable)