Empower WAYUU women through handcrafted bags

Dear Esteemed Sponsors,

We trust this trimester has been kind to you. The past months have been a compelling mix of challenges and opportunities as we work closely with the Wayuu community. These experiences have not only been enriching but have also led to significant achievements that continue to empower us in our mission.

Building upon the information shared in our past reports, our partnership with SENA has been instrumental in enhancing the skills of our Wayuu artisans in the field of traditional weaving. We are delighted to report that all 33 of our dedicated artisans hace succesfully completed their courses and have received well-deserved certificates. Additionally, we have conducted short but impactful training sessions covering critical topics such as human rights, women's rights, environmental stewardship, and the art of color theory. Expert professionals, including designers and international relations specialists, lent their valuable support to these training sessions.

These learning experiences have yielded remarkable results, not only in the realm of weaving but also in the way our artisans perceive and engage with their environment. Furthermore, we have continued to supply materials for the production of mochilas, and the artisans' enhanced skills have allowed us to introduce new and appealing designs that cater to a broader customer base. Our future plans include the creation of spaces where the community can delve into essential subjects such as sexual and reproductive health, with a vision to expand into other topics vital to the community's well-being.

We are also thrilled to share a significant achievement—the installation of a solar panel system within the handicraft room, which was constructed by our dedicated team. This innovation has already made a noticeable impact, as it enables the women to weave safely during the night without straining their eyes. Moreover, as the community lacked a consistent energy source, the installation has addressed communication challenges by allowing them to recharge their phones with ease.

In the realm of agriculture, there has been a remarkable progress on the farmland, cultivated for over a year by the community. Crops such as pumpkins, corn, bell peppers, and yuca are thriving, offering a source of organic sustenance and reinforcing teamwork and labor efficiency, with active participation from all community members. Although the current status of the irrigation system has been affected due to extreme weather conditions, wich damaged the water tank tower, we anticipate restoring it by year-end. This will ensure a reliable water supply for bountiful harvests, especially as the dry season approaches. In collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), we are committed to bolstering agricultural activities to mitigate the impact of the impending dry season and safeguard community food security.

Throughout the recent months, we have maintained monthly visits to the community to monitor their progress and address their immediate needs, all with the aim of enhancing their quality of life. For the remainder of the year, we have planned 1-2 additional visits, including an exciting event where 16 of our artisans will travel from La Guajira to Bogotá to participate in one of Colombia's most significant handicraft fairs, Expoartesanías.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, which has allowed us to continue this transformative project that touches the lives of many Wayuu community members and families throughout the region. Rest assured, we will continue to keep you informed of our progress in the coming months.