Latin Crafts

All over Latin America there is chronic under-employment, and a desperate need for work which pays a fair wage. Conditions are often poor with little regard for the health and well-being of the worker.

Latin Link is in the process of developing an ethical business strand, part of which will aim to create stable employment for people from marginalised or low-income groups struggling to support their families.

A number of Latin Link members are already providing opportunities in the shantytowns of Peru and in the prisons of Bolivia for people to use their existing skills, or learn new ones, to produce beautiful crafts and other products.

To find out more, please click on the links below. If you would like to support these cottage industries by buying or selling Latin crafts in Britain and Ireland, please contact their representatives.

Achkiy

In the shantytowns of Lima, Peru, women from the community make jewellery from silver and semi-precious stones, and beautiful greetings cards and notebooks from recycled paper.

To host an Achkiy party:

Tel 01753 894177

Email info@achkiy.com

Website www.achkiy.com

FREE HANDS

FreeHands is a project giving a fresh start to women in prison in Cochabamba, Bolivia, helping them to support their children by making accessories, cards, bags, and home-furnishings.

Viv Ashworth
5 Winchester Road
Bath BA2 3LF

Tel 01225 350567

Email alan.viv.ashworth@blueyonder.co.uk

Website www.freehandsbolivia.org

Siwok Crafts

In the Chaco region in northern Argentina, the Wichi people carve exquisite wooden crafts. From ornamental birds to decorative gift boxes to practical kitchen products, you'll just want to put them on display!

Bill Mercer
Siwok Crafts UK
2 Eider Close
Buckingham MK18 1GL

Tel 01280 823955
Mob 07774 220323

Email sales@siwok.org.uk

Website www.siwok.org.uk

Zoe Creations

Started as the sister project to Achkiy, Zoe is now independent and growing, with two groups of women in Lima learning to make cards, jewellery and bags.

Melanie Cave
Just Trade
44 Toohill Road
Loughborough
Leics LE11 1PW

Tel: 07949 107434

Email jeheywood@hotmail.com

Website www.justtrade.co.uk