Our Programs
Every woman we train in La Guajira, Colombia is a leader emerging from decades of economic exclusion
Wayuu families face some of the most severe challenges in Latin America— food insecurity, water scarcity, displacement, and a lack of economic opportunities for women. Yet Wayuu women are resilient, creative, and determined to protect their culture and land for the next generation.
Our approach rests on two foundational beliefs:
1) solutions must come from within the community; and
2) empowering women is the most efficient way to invest in a better world.
With your support, we are creating opportunities for women that honor their cultural, strengthen livelihoods, and build self-determined futures.
Scroll down to learn about our impact.
The Yala'yalaa School
Our flagship educational program equips Wayuu women with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to achieve financial independence on their own terms.
The Yala'yalaa School offers:
- Courses in Sustainable Community-Led Entrepreneurship
- Courses in Product Innovation and Design
- An Advanced Leadership Series for the leaders of each weaving team
- Community Wellness Workshops addressing community-identified needs, from water quality to permaculture
- Wayuu Youth Programming launching early 2027
Water for the Wayuu
In March 2026 we distributed long-lasting water filters to the 100+ Wayuu women in our collective in partnership with a California-based NGO, Water Access To All.
Next we will begin distributing 1000-liter water tanks so that families can store water in greater quantities and reduce the time and cost of collecting it.
Donate $250 today to help bring reliable water closer to a Wayuu family’s home.
La Casa Colectiva
Together with our partners at Fundación Talento Colectivo, we're building an intercultural education center in La Guajira, Colombia that will serve as a permanent home for the Yala'yalaa School.
The classroom has been built, a water cistern will be completed before the end of 2026, and the construction of eco-cabins built with natural and recycled materials is planned for January 2027.
As funding allows, we will continue to build out the property to include a fair trade artisan store, a farm-to-table restaurant, and permaculture gardens.
Community Project Seed Capital
After graduating from the Yala'yalaa School, artisans have the opportunity to present their community project ideas to us for funding.
Projects must be sustainable and must generate income for women while improving quality of life for the entire community. Examples of projects we've funded include:
- A bulk food co-op
- Water cisterns
- Eco tourism projects
La Casa Para los Niños del Mundo
This after school program managed by our partners at Fundación Talento Colectivo serves Indigenous, Afro-Colombian, displaced and migrant children living in vulnerable conditions in La Guajira, Colombia.
Classes focus on environmental stewardship through art, music & dance, and activities such as tree planting, water blessings, and community-wide trash clean ups.
Travel with us to La Guajira
Our Solidarity Trips are a unique opportunity to step inside our organization and become part of this life changing work.
Sent us a message to express your interest and we'll book an introductory call.
Donate today
Donations like yours are vital to helping One Thread Collective reach hundreds more Wayúu women who are waiting to join our programs.
Join our inner circle of Dream Weavers by signing up for monthly donations of at least $25 or $300 annually and receive our special monthly newsletter and invitations to donor-only events. 100% of your gift will go towards programs that uplift and empower Wayuu women.
One Thread Collective is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization based in California. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible.
