| Country / Region: | Peru / Manos Amigas |
|---|---|
| Project Summary: | Manos Amigas works with poor, small family cooperatives in the slums of Lima Peru and the Andean highlands. |
Partner Overview
Artisans living in Peru are often faced by supply companies that are looking for the lowest possible price for their craft. There is hardly any concern for their poor working conditions, living conditions, or the livelihoods of the artisans and their families. Frequently, artisans struggle through a life of poverty and hopelessness.
Recognizing the need for a different, and just business in Peru, Manos Amigas, which means "Hands Joined in Friendship", was started in 1991. They work among the poor small family cooperatives in the slums of Lima Peru and the Andean highlands. Over 70 small family workshops from the rural areas of Cusco and the urban sprawl of Lima are directly affected. They now have the opportunity to have jobs with fair and just standards and working conditions, while also having a wider market for their unique traditional handcrafts.
The difference between Manos Amigas and other companies in Peru is that Manos Amigas is providing the artisans with fair livable wages. In addition to paying a fair and living wage to the 50 artisans affiliated with Manos Amigas, they provide job and business training programs in accounting, administration, design, and packaging and shipping. The artisans are innovative, always looking for new ideas that will recycle materials or use natural resources. Through their marketing efforts, craft products from these workshops can be found in Europe, Canada and the U.S
Manos Amigas goes beyond providing fair wages and business training. They are very passionate about reaching their community as well. Twenty percent of the sales of handcrafts go to support a feeding program that serve over 400 children in slum areas. This program is run through the local churches, and the money is also utilized for providing school uniforms, shoes, and school supplies for the children of the community.
Yannina Meza de Rietveld, who leads the organization, says of the producers, “They often ask us ‘Why are you so different from the other buyers?’ It’s a great opportunity to share the gospel. It’s what we do that speaks about the love of God. We try to be open, honest and transparent in what we do, so that they can taste the love of God in their lives. I learned from the Bible to be fair with my brothers and sisters. That is the best example of fair trade. The Bible is the best inspiration.”
Bright Hope is privileged to partner with Manos Amigas through selling their beautiful craft. Your purchases ultimately help strengthen the community and provide artisans and their families with the ability to break the cycle of poverty and to have hope for a better future.
