Project in Peru
Craft Aid International is working with a local church in the city of Arequipa, to set up a project to serve the needs of differently-able people in Arequipa, Peru.
Invitation to start a project In October 2014, Susie, our director, was invited by Latin Link to visit a small Peruvian church, Iglesia Bautiste Misonera, who wanted help to set up a project for disabled people in their city of Arequipa. Susie was deeply moved by the large numbers of disabled people she saw begging on the streets of the city, and excited by the potential for setting up a training and employment project for them. Tried and tested Susie previously set up a project for people with disabilities in Tanzania, called Neema Crafts, which started with just 3 young deaf men being taught how to make hand-made paper from elephant dung, and now employs over 120 people with different disabilities. The new project in Peru will be tailored to meet the needs in Arequipa, but is very much inspired by what we have shown to be possible in a similar developing world context. |
Watch our 3 minute film to see how this project is changing lives.
Music: 'Wake Up' by All Sons and Daughters.* |
m Responding to an urgent need
As in Tanzania, there's no government support for differently-able people in Peru whatsoever, so they are amongst the most marginalised, the most vulnerable, and the poorest of the poor in their communities. In April 2015 , Susie returned to Peru with a team of trained volunteers to start a pilot project, training a group of disabled out-workers in high quality bead-work and jewellery; and helping to market their products in Peru and the UK. At the moment the main focus of the project is with a large group of people with learning disabilities who desperately lack activities to do during the day and often remain hidden away at home as a consequence. The project now provides them with regular opportunities to learn new skills in a caring and supportive environment, create beautiful products and sell them as a group, providing income for their families.
Sending out skilled volunteers- New Volunteering Opportunity in Peru
So far we have sent talented designers Ellie Thompson, followed by Fiona Courtman with husband Chris, who have each done and excellent job for a many months, working with Betsaida the project leader. Right now we are looking for a volunteer or volunteer-couple to replace them. Craft Aid International and CMS are looking for a volunteer with a degree-level qualification in a design-related subject, who would like to use their skills to transform the lives of differently-able people living in poverty in the developing world. You will be working with a host church to help set up and run a not-for-profit therapeutic craft workshop project, which will provide therapeutic crafts activities, training and future employment opportunities to people with disabilities in the beautiful city of Arequipa, Peru.
You will need to be a talented designer, innovative, entrepreneurial and extremely self-motivated. You will also need to be compassionate, flexible and resilient, with a heart for working with people cross-culturally. You do not need to have prior experience of working with differently-able people, (although it would be a bonus if you do). Full training will be provided by Craft Aid International. You will be working with a partner church in Arequipa and will be required to enter into the life of that church community. Accommodation will be provided by the host church.You will need a supportive home church and the ability to cover some of your own costs through their support and from other supporters. CMS and Craft Aid International will provide advice and support with this. You will be being sent jointly by Craft Aid International and CMS.
This volunteer post is for a period of 12-18 month, with the possibility of extending for a longer period of service.
For more information or to apply, in the first instance please contact Susie Hart at Craft Aid International : Susie.hart@craftaidinternational.org / 07588 724142 / 01423 202734
As in Tanzania, there's no government support for differently-able people in Peru whatsoever, so they are amongst the most marginalised, the most vulnerable, and the poorest of the poor in their communities. In April 2015 , Susie returned to Peru with a team of trained volunteers to start a pilot project, training a group of disabled out-workers in high quality bead-work and jewellery; and helping to market their products in Peru and the UK. At the moment the main focus of the project is with a large group of people with learning disabilities who desperately lack activities to do during the day and often remain hidden away at home as a consequence. The project now provides them with regular opportunities to learn new skills in a caring and supportive environment, create beautiful products and sell them as a group, providing income for their families.
Sending out skilled volunteers- New Volunteering Opportunity in Peru
So far we have sent talented designers Ellie Thompson, followed by Fiona Courtman with husband Chris, who have each done and excellent job for a many months, working with Betsaida the project leader. Right now we are looking for a volunteer or volunteer-couple to replace them. Craft Aid International and CMS are looking for a volunteer with a degree-level qualification in a design-related subject, who would like to use their skills to transform the lives of differently-able people living in poverty in the developing world. You will be working with a host church to help set up and run a not-for-profit therapeutic craft workshop project, which will provide therapeutic crafts activities, training and future employment opportunities to people with disabilities in the beautiful city of Arequipa, Peru.
You will need to be a talented designer, innovative, entrepreneurial and extremely self-motivated. You will also need to be compassionate, flexible and resilient, with a heart for working with people cross-culturally. You do not need to have prior experience of working with differently-able people, (although it would be a bonus if you do). Full training will be provided by Craft Aid International. You will be working with a partner church in Arequipa and will be required to enter into the life of that church community. Accommodation will be provided by the host church.You will need a supportive home church and the ability to cover some of your own costs through their support and from other supporters. CMS and Craft Aid International will provide advice and support with this. You will be being sent jointly by Craft Aid International and CMS.
This volunteer post is for a period of 12-18 month, with the possibility of extending for a longer period of service.
For more information or to apply, in the first instance please contact Susie Hart at Craft Aid International : Susie.hart@craftaidinternational.org / 07588 724142 / 01423 202734
New craft centre
What's next?
- We're just updating this part of the website as there's been lots of new developments recently! So come back soon to find out about the exciting developments :)
- We're just updating this part of the website as there's been lots of new developments recently! So come back soon to find out about the exciting developments :)
If you'd like to help support this exciting new project, please donate via the link below. Thank you!
*We are waiting for official permission to use this fantastic song in the background of our film. You can buy the track here.