Life's Gifts Woven Necklace/Bracelet
Life's Gifts Woven Necklace/Bracelet
In stock
SKU: SKU: SK-83455
Life's gifts are many, but none more meaningful than the gift of helping others. This special collection of inspirational charm jewelry brings opportunities to women artisans in Guatemala, women like Alejandra. Alejandra had to leave school at the age of 13 to work as a maid in Guatemala City. She was married young and moved back to the rural village to farm but the family's income was insufficient. Then Alejandra met the cooperative and formed her own rural craft cooperative group of women hand-crafting jewelry. This change allowed the women to provide better nutrition, medical care, and education for their families. Life's gifts are many, so choose a gift for yourself, and give them to your friends to help Alejandra and her cooperative pass the gift of a sustainable livelihood to their children and their community.
- Waxed thread, crystal, & silver-tone metal
- Can be worn as necklace or wrap bracelet
- 20" L (50.8 cm)
- Handmade in and fairly traded from Guatemala
Artisan Information
Artisan Information
"We dream of an ideal world -- one where everyone lives in harmony, where diversity is celebrated, and where rights and responsibilities are treasured. These aspirations encourage us to find solutions in which prosperity and well-being are common to everyone." ~Maria Pacheco
Wakami, a fair trade enterprise founded by Cornell University graduate Maria Pacheco, collaborates with five rural artisan groups throughout Guatemala. A strong focus on community development, social entrepreneurship, and fair wages has vastly improved the lives of its eighty women artisans and their families.
Before they joined Wakami, these artisans had no market outlet for their work and no way to generate income. Most live in very small villages where there are no jobs, and many were forced to leave their children behind to take work in larger cities. For them, the income generated by Wakami is a dream come true, an opportunity to keep their families together and to send their children to school for the first time.
Located in the tiny village of San Lorenzo Pastores, Concepcion became Wakami's first artisan group in 2006. Economic opportunities were slim in the village then, and an important nutrition program was coming to an end -- jeopardizing the very health of the children. Local moms came together to find a solution, and Concepcion was born. The group has become very successful making and selling jewelry, and their families' lives have improved markedly. Inspired by their success and eager to apply their new business skills, Concepcion has opened a bakery and convenience store. "It has taken a lot of effort to start a business, but now, everybody in the village admires us," says group member Matilde. "We have been able to start something, that today is small, but in the future is going to be something really big. We know we still have to make a lot of sacrifices and work hard, but we are happy, because we can see the results every day."
The Monte Redondo group resides in Guatemala's central area, about 20 km from Guatemala City. Despite their close proximity to a large urban area, the community was as isolated as any in the remotest jungle. Twenty women artisans now belong to the group, supplementing their husbands' meager incomes. Group leader Sandra Solares puts it this way: "Wakami is a dream come true for my community. I feel satisfied to be the bridge that makes it possible for women in my community to generate income; this not only makes them feel important, but also helps them provide a better life to their kids. For me, Wakami is the force that gives me the opportunity to keep studying my communication career at the university."
Supplier Information
Supplier Information
By shopping the Global Girlfriend collection, you are making a difference in women’s lives across the globe. Global Girlfriend is focused on striving for gender equality and empowerment, and the importance of women providing for themselves and their families. By supporting jobs that guarantee fair wages by fair trade, women are able to proudly contribute to their families, encouraging their communities to flourish.
Shipping
Shipping
This product ships to the United States and international. Expedited shipping options are available for addresses within the United States, unless total order weight prohibits.
Returns
Returns
If you are not 100% satisfied with this product, you may return it for exchange or refund within 90 days of purchase, subject to some restrictions. Please review our full Returns & Exchanges information.
I recently purchased the "Courage" bracelet, and I absolutely adore it!! I get so many compliments on it! Whenever anyone asks where I bought it from, I always refer them to The Hunger Site, explaining the site and the good works that are done. I'm always so proud to say that I participate and purchase many gifts from the site, not only for others, but for myself as well. There really is no other site like it, and I am proud to be part of it. *LOVE*
I actually bought the 'Courage' bracelet/necklace when it was on sale, but I absolutely love it. Now that some of the others are back in stock, I am looking at buying the 'Faith' & 'Grace' ones...I bought the bracelet for me, but it would make a great gift.
Overall I'm pleased I purchased it. I actually bought 3 of them to put together. They can also be used as a necklace. They're a little difficult to get hooked... one handed, anyway! They also came in a little bag... makes them feel special and unique.