Building resilience for the Qom artisans

The Toba Qom artisans have been building resilience in several ways during the pandemic!

First, they have taken measures to legalize their business and their Committee. They have filed the paperwork to formalize their Committee and they have taken classes on taxation by the national taxation authority so they can issue legal invoices. 

Second, they implemented new ideas to increase their income. We helped them design and print the price tags for their products and prepare a catalog with photos of their crafts. We also provided them with t-shirts with the name of the Committee, so they can have a uniform at the fairs and exhibitions they participate in. In addition, we helped them get in touch with the Paraguayan Institute of Craftsmanship (IPA) and the Paraguayan Institute of Indigenous Populations (INDI) so they can participate in the craftsmanship fairs organized by these public organizations. All of this has contributed to the creation of new business opportunities for the artisans.

Furthermore, we helped them strengthen their health in various aspects. In order to achieve food security during the pandemic, we provided them with aid kits which included food, water and hygiene and cleaning products. In this sense, they also participated in remote training sessions to learn how to grow and harvest their own vegetables in their gardens. The pregnant women who are part of the Committee also received support from a program called Añuami. 

Finally, they have participated in entrepreneurship workshops through the internet and the community radio station. We also started a program to recognize the outstanding artisan of the month, to encourage their entrepreneurship spirit.

• Crafts catalog (PDF)