2008 Conference - Un Exito!

I had hoped to blog much more often, but as it turned out, everyone was constantly working hard to make the event a success. And what a success it was!
I am still feeling overwhelmed emotionally and physically from the conference. The three days were jam packed with activities and new experiences. The one complaint was the weather - it was so windy, I imagined a hurricane was coming. Of course, I have never experienced a hurricane, but then again, this forceful, wicked wind was 100% new to me, too! We adjusted though and moved activities indoors. Day 3 was a combination of work and fun. There were two workshops in the morning, followed by office hours. The office hours were newly implemented this year. I hoped that the women would attend to ask any outstanding questions, or perhaps to speak to an instructor from a course they could not attend. To my surprise and pleasure, the office hours were attended very well and they had to be cut off of they would have missed the boat! This reinforced the determination of the women to take every advantage of learning opportunities.
I unfortunately missed the boat trip around Lake Atitlan because I was running all over town withdrawing money and paying instructors and other tasks, but from the photos, everyone appeared to have a wonderful time!
The evening concluded on a very positive, happy note with diploma presentations and photos. We lost the marimba band momentarily because they were still eating when we finished the ceremony. Luckily, Ron Waslohn from Vacaville surprised us all with his Kenny Rogers impersonation! The women danced the night away - doing the Som (traditional mayan dance), the Mexican Hat Dance, a Conga Line, and more until 10pm, wind and all!
I am already looking forward to 2009.

Jen

Hello from the second annual conferencia de mujeres microempresarias! This is Amy Hillyard, I'm a member of the Namaste Direct Board. Today was a beautiful and productive day. The borrowers started their day with a panel talking about their experiences working with different MFIs. The most moving part of the program was whenn Nelly lead them to look at each other and proclaim "Si Podemos" (Yes we can!) and then hug their companeras. There was much energy and support in the group and even a few tears of emotion where shed.

The rest of the day was spent in the various programs offered. There were classes on international marketing, display of products, textile design basics, technology and animal husbandry. All the sessions were well attended and the woman where very engaged for the full session.

In the afternoon the woman shared their products in the conference marketplace. Many of them also took the opportunity to purchase the beutiful textiles for Christmas gifts.

As we speak the woman are enjoying a tasty dinner of chile rellenos and afterward will watch a movie together! Que devertido!

Tommorrow we start again in the morning with more classes and in the afternoon the woman will have the opportunity to have 1:1 sessions with the Business Advisors. Followed by dinner, diplomas and celebration. All in all it has been a very successful conference. You can see the delight and inspiration in the women's eyes...we look forward to learning how this experience transforms their business and ther lives!

Conference Prep Has Begun

Just a quick note today from Jennifer. I am in Panajachel and had a great afternoon with a team of volunteers. Sandi is from Canada, Simone is from Washington, and Elvira is a local girl from San Pedro La Laguna. We spent the afternoon shopping, which is a big adventure. There is no such thing as Office Max or Staples where you can buy everything you need in one convenient place. Plus, you get to barter when purchasing large quantities! We later worked from home base - imagine your home base in a beautiful hotel, surrounded by lush greenery and a swimming pool. We giggled like a typical pack of girls and prepped the materials for Wednesday's opening ceremony. Tomorrow is a busy day of making sure everything is ready to go for 100 excited women from far parts of Guatemala. Stay tuned!