UPAVIM Crafts

UPAVIM, a self-run cooperative in La Esperanza, Guatemala, empowers women by providing leadership opportunities, economic independence, and education for them and their families. Established in 1989, UPAVIM creates and sells vibrant, handcrafted products globally, with proceeds supporting the cooperative and various community initiatives.

Beyond offering fair trade goods, UPAVIM operates a full-day kindergarten through 6th-grade school, daycare, and Montessori-based preschool. The cooperative's success has catalyzed the development of a health clinic, tutoring program, local bakery, and more in La Esperanza.

For the 60+ women of UPAVIM, facing challenges like poverty and violence, the cooperative serves as a safe space fostering solidarity, love, hope, and purpose—a foundation for generational improvements.