Starting on February 10th, SGA will be spearheading a new and unique service project. They’ll be selling YUDA Bands.

YUDA Bands, which are handmade coconut and leather bracelets, get their name from from the Spanish word to help, ayuda.

This is one of the most unique service learning projects around right now. Proceeds from the sale will benefit less fortunate countries.

These $7 bands serve two purposes. Primarily, proceeds from these bands sponsor a child’s school tuition. The bands also help to create jobs in Guatemala where the bands are made.

The YUDA Band creator lives by the saying, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” That is why they believe the only way to break the poverty cycle is through education.

It is $350 a year for a child in Guatemala to go to school. This $350 is raised through YUDA Band selling.

The $7 is divided up from each band. $2 goes to the scholarship fund of the chosen student. $3 goes to pay the salaries of those who make the YUDA Bands. $2 covers operational costs, such as shipping.

Because the YUDA bands are handmade, each is unique. They come in a variety of colors and with different designs on the coconut piece. You can see some of their designs on their Flickr page.

This project is not a fundraiser for Student Government. They receive no money from selling the YUDA Bands.

Student Government is ordering 350 bracelets, which is enough to send a child to school for two years instead of just one.

The selling period of the YUDA Bands is only two weeks and starts February 10th. So, it’s important to get them and help out while you can.

To learn more about YUDA Bands you can access their website here.

Download a free video about YUDA Bands here.