MACHI and Arte Acción Copan Ruinas

Inspired by the work of Ms. Carin Steen and Arte Acción Copan Ruinas, MACHI sought to develop a creative program for children living in the communities throughout the department of Copan. Arte Acción has a long record of working with children in projects addressing environmental conservation and identity using art, photography, drama, and games. Their approach is one that generates excitement and a sense of self-worth among local children by providing them with innovative ways to engage with materials and subjects to which they are not typically exposed.

The MACHI program is conducted within all primary schools in the village (aldea) communities throughout the region by two young, talented coordinators: Moises Mancia and Londin Velasquez. Each visit addresses chapters of a manual produced by Steen covering topics of pre-Hispanic Maya civilization, Maya identity and language, and archaeological conservation. Games, art projects, and drama accompany each visit to fully engage children in the subject.