Textile project increases income

As a result of the Textile Project in Achocalla and Comanche, 82 women are now working in the textile industry and earning an income that on an average, has increased to 21$ a month. One of the oldest participants shares her story… .

¨My name is Eliodora Quispe Ticona and I am 65 years old. I am a needlewomen for the foundation of Chakana. My whole life I have worked weaving clothes. At the age of 15 my grandmother taught me how to weave and now I am a grandmother myself of 6 grandchildren! I thought I was too old for weaving since my hands and sight are not as good as they used to be. Therefore I cannot make the same nice products as younger women in the community.

I remember Lourdes Mamani first coming to our community. At first I did not want to participate in the project of Chakana because I thought they would not accept me because of my age. But the contrary was true. All the women in Tuni -my community- wanted me to be head of the project because of the many years of experience I have. Due to Chakana I am still working and earning a little money to support my sons and grandchildren. This helps me to feel usefull and to being more than just an old women¨