An Unboxing from Guatemala

Have you ever wanted the thrill of unboxing an international shipment in our back room? Here is your chance to unwrap some beautiful handcrafts and hear an eye-witness account of the women who made them. Emily Buckell, professor of Spanish at Bluffton University has led a trip to Guatemala and she will give a short travelogue of her visit to UPAVIM Crafts, one of our long term artisan partners.

UPAVIM is a self-run cooperative of women in La Esperanza, Guatemala that provides leadership opportunities, greater economic independence and education for the members and their families. It represents a colorful beacon of hope and pride for many in La Esperanza.

Founded in 1989, UPAVIM creates and sells colorful, handcrafted products for markets around the world. Sales of UPAVIM’s fair trade goods directly support the cooperative, a full-day kindergarten through 6th grade school, daycare, and a Montessori-based preschool. UPAVIM’s success in La Esperanza has also fueled the development of a health clinic, tutoring program, local bakery and more.

Facing poverty, crime and violence throughout their neighborhoods, the more than 60 women that represent UPAVIM find not only solidarity in a safe space but also a community of love, hope and purpose that aspires to produce generational improvements for one another.

You may also like the following events from World Goods Et Cetera:

• Next Saturday, 28th February, 02:00 pm, “Junk’ Journal making with Joyce Daniels in Bluffton
• Next month, 14th March, 11:00 am, Pinch Pots with Janette Reineke, Session 2 in Bluffton
• Next month, 21st March, 02:00 pm, Custom Tea Blending in Bluffton

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Bluffton, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Bluffton.