Oaxacan Mom Trades Handmade Utensils for School Supplies

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Karina, a single mother from Oaxaca, has resorted to selling handmade wooden utensils on the streets of Cancún in exchange for school supplies or food to support her family. She sets up daily near Costco on Kabah Avenue at Yaxchilán with her daughter Cecilia, displaying a sign that reads: “Trade or sell for groceries or school supplies.”

A Struggle for Survival

Karina, who arrived in Cancún less than a month ago with her mother, rents a room in Region 235 for 1,300 pesos per month. On good days, she earns up to 200 pesos selling wooden spoons and kitchen tools crafted in Oaxaca. Her husband migrated to the United States in 2022, and she has had no contact with him since, leaving her as the sole provider for her daughter and elderly mother.

She revealed that local authorities from the Grupo Especial de Atención a la Violencia Intrafamiliar y de Género (Geavig) allegedly threatened to take Cecilia away because the child is not currently attending school. Despite the warning, Karina continues selling near Costco or along Avenida La Luna, accepting donations of notebooks, clothing, or food in exchange for her handmade goods.

Community Support Amid Hardship

Some passersby have offered school supplies or clothing without expecting anything in return. Karina acknowledged that sales are inconsistent—some days she returns with earnings, while others yield nothing. Yet, she remains determined, stating her priority is ensuring her family’s survival.

A fleeting moment of joy came when Cecilia saw the ocean for the first time, an experience that renewed Karina’s resolve. “She couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful the water was,” Karina recalled. “That memory gives me strength to keep going.”

Originally planning a short stay, Karina now faces the harsh reality of prolonged hardship in Cancún. With limited options, she clings to hope that her handmade crafts will eventually secure a better future for her family.