One World Projects
Handwoven Angel of Hope Ornament
Handwoven Angel of Hope Ornament
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This Angel of Hope ornament was made by impoverished Guatemalan who live on the outskirts of Guatemala City in a slum called "Esperanza" (hope). By working together these women have developed a community medical clinic, a dental clinic, a scholarship and tutoring program for their children, an infant growth-monitoring program, a breast-feeding promotion program, a daycare center with Montessori-trained teachers, and a crafts project that generates income for the individual women and for the community programs. Most importantly, they have maintained a spirit of hope, which many in similar circumstances lost long ago.
May this angel inspire the hope and faith you need to live a full, productive, and peaceful life.
- Measures 3-1/4" high x 3" wide x 2-1/2" deep
- Available in Blue, Pink and Red Tones
Handmade in Guatemala and Fair Trade Imported
UPAVIM Crafts is a cooperative of women who live in marginalized communities on the outskirts of
Amongst some of the achievements, In 2002 the cooperative was awarded the best Non-traditional Textile Exporter award by AGEXPRONT, a national trade organization, also UPAVIM’s Montessori school was recognized by the Guatemalan government.
The main product line made by these women artisans includes bags, purses, wallets, aprons and holiday ornaments, most of these products are made from the traditionally woven Mayan textiles which are locally available. By procuring the traditional textiles, the organization also helps promote traditional weavers of the region and brings a local flavor and uniqueness to their products. This also cuts down the role of middlemen and creates a chain of fair wages and fair prices - from the weaver, to the seamstress, to the customer.
Apart from craft making, UPAVIM also initiated other small scale businesses which include a bakery, soy milk factory, and an internet center. The main aim was to increase the means of employment for the community members of La Esperanza, so that they can gain optimum benefits from the program.
The cooperative is located in a squatter settlement called La Esperanza (Hope), where every day the communities faced various social challenges including gang violence, illiteracy, unemployment, malnutrition, alcoholism, child abuse and drug abuse. Even though the challenges for community growth in an area that receives little government attention may be high, but today after 2o odd years and initiatives by UPAVIM and the women, the conditions have changed for the better in this “City of
About the Artisans
About the Artisans
Esther Kariuki is an independent artisan who, in her area of Kenya, near Kitui, has organized and trained women in her village to use the dried fiber of the banana plant, which would normally be discarded. The banana fiber is first dried, and then a light varnish applied. Once this process is complete craftspeople cut the fiber into thin strips to make several different items, including boxes, Bao Bab trees and mobiles. The varnish on the banana fiber with its many tones of brown resembles textured tortoise shell. Esther ensures the craftspeople are paid a fair wage for their goods, which has enabled many in her small village to earn a sustainable wage.
Materials
Materials
Dimensions
Dimensions
Care information
Care information
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