Tuqtuquilal

 Our vision is a thriving community that is empowered to problem-solve and create lasting positive impact for future generations.  We strive to build intercultural bridges, and social and physical infrastructure for positive local impact. The objectives of our cultural and ecological outreach projects are to empower the Lanquín community by creating regenerative economic opportunities and environmental education programs that will provide healthier living conditions, economic opportunity, and initiate lasting benefits to the local community.

The center will:

● Promote and provide educational opportunities in regenerative living and holistic well-being

● Develop living model examples of regenerative development applied to food production, water, energy, and housing

● Develop harmonious relationships with surrounding communities through the distribution of appropriate technologies, support and incubation of a local seed bank, and skills transfers to local farmers, especially cacao farmers.

● Support local job creation, small business incubation & development, especially in production of appropriate technologies, organic products, and traditional crafts & medicines

● Host an international volunteer program for those wishing to give their support to the center

Tuq tu’quilal will capture and store the cultural knowledge of the rapidly eroding local Mayan traditions, and be a physical place for it to be stored, propagated, and re-seeded. Tuq tu’quilal is inspired by Ghandi’s concept of “village technology center” - a model for a localized strategy of self-reliance, integrating traditional and modern. It will be a demonstration alternative pathways to development, rather than a race to the bottom.

The key elements of the center will be a productive demonstration food forest focused on cacao, a classroom/community center for public use, and a living space. The key programs will be our agriculture program, a nutritional education program, an international volunteer program, and varied courses and trainings.

Here is what we are currently looking for (September – December 2019) :

A permaculture wizard : We have a permanent or long term position for a permaculture designer and coordinator. We are looking for someone with a lot of experience, preferably in sub tropical climates. We already have a fully design plan and lots of things are in motion but we need someone to focus it by guiding both our workers and volunteers.

If things are going well, we could offer a paid position.

A temazcal enthusiast : we would really love to have a well designed "real" temazcal and someone who knows how to run it in a ceremonial and healing way.

This could end with a paid position if things runs well.

Animals caregiver : We already have some animals in the farm but we want to improve on that by designing them some better living space and also increase our diversity. So we are looking at someone with experience in permaculture husbandry design, preferably in tropical climates.

Compost alchemist : we have some composting going on but as we are growing up we are in the need of bigger and more efficient systems. If composting is one of your passion, you are more than welcome.

Mushroom farmer : We are starting a mushroom farm up here and we are looking into mycelium integration on our crops. If you know how to whisper to fungus, we could definitely put you in charge of that. This could end up in a paid position.

And more generally, we are looking for experienced and autonomous volunteers.

We appreciate people with the desire to learn and we do aim at being an educational center but currently we are still in the building process so we need people with strong skills.

Mostly, you will be engaged in bio-construction, gardening, sustainable ecology, cooking, helping around the house, spending time with guests, enjoying life and eating chocolate!