Life's Gifts Necklace
Life's Gifts Necklace
In stock
SKU: SKU: SK-83442
Life's gifts are many, but none more meaningful than the gift of helping others. Each pewter rectangular pendant is hung on a silver plated chain and finished with a tiny colored tassel. This necklace is great alone or layered and is handmade and fairly traded from a women's craft organization in Guatemala. This special collection of inspirational charm jewelry brings opportunities to women artisans of Kiej de los Bosques in Guatemala, women like Alejandra.
Alejandra had to leave school at the age of 13 to work as a maid in Guatemala City. She was married young and moved back to the rural village to farm but the family's income was insufficient. Then Alejandra met Kiej de los Bosques and formed her own rural craft cooperative group of women hand-crafting jewelry. This change allowed the women to provide better nutrition, medical care, and education for their families. Life's gifts are many, so choose a gift for yourself, and give them to your friends to help Alejandra and her cooperative pass the gift of a sustainable livelihood to their children and their community.
- Pewter & glass
- Matching tassel
- Approximately 18" L (45.7.8 cm)
- Handmade in and fairly traded from Guatemala
Artisan Information
Artisan Information
"We dream of an ideal world -- one where everyone lives in harmony, where diversity is celebrated, and where rights and responsibilities are treasured. These aspirations encourage us to find solutions in which prosperity and well-being are common to everyone." ~Maria Pacheco
Wakami, a fair trade enterprise founded by Cornell University graduate Maria Pacheco, collaborates with five rural artisan groups throughout Guatemala. A strong focus on community development, social entrepreneurship, and fair wages has vastly improved the lives of its eighty women artisans and their families.
Before they joined Wakami, these artisans had no market outlet for their work and no way to generate income. Most live in very small villages where there are no jobs, and many were forced to leave their children behind to take work in larger cities. For them, the income generated by Wakami is a dream come true, an opportunity to keep their families together and to send their children to school for the first time.
Located in the tiny village of San Lorenzo Pastores, Concepcion became Wakami's first artisan group in 2006. Economic opportunities were slim in the village then, and an important nutrition program was coming to an end -- jeopardizing the very health of the children. Local moms came together to find a solution, and Concepcion was born. The group has become very successful making and selling jewelry, and their families' lives have improved markedly. Inspired by their success and eager to apply their new business skills, Concepcion has opened a bakery and convenience store. "It has taken a lot of effort to start a business, but now, everybody in the village admires us," says group member Matilde. "We have been able to start something, that today is small, but in the future is going to be something really big. We know we still have to make a lot of sacrifices and work hard, but we are happy, because we can see the results every day."
The Monte Redondo group resides in Guatemala's central area, about 20 km from Guatemala City. Despite their close proximity to a large urban area, the community was as isolated as any in the remotest jungle. Twenty women artisans now belong to the group, supplementing their husbands' meager incomes. Group leader Sandra Solares puts it this way: "Wakami is a dream come true for my community. I feel satisfied to be the bridge that makes it possible for women in my community to generate income; this not only makes them feel important, but also helps them provide a better life to their kids. For me, Wakami is the force that gives me the opportunity to keep studying my communication career at the university."
Supplier Information
Supplier Information
By shopping the Global Girlfriend collection, you are making a difference in women’s lives across the globe. Global Girlfriend is focused on striving for gender equality and empowerment, and the importance of women providing for themselves and their families. By supporting jobs that guarantee fair wages by fair trade, women are able to proudly contribute to their families, encouraging their communities to flourish.
Shipping
Shipping
For best chance of delivery for Christmas, place orders using Priority Standard Shipping by December 18th. This product ships to the United States and international. Expedited shipping options are available for addresses within the United States, unless total order weight prohibits.
Returns
Returns
If you are not 100% satisfied with this product, you may return it for exchange or refund within 90 days of purchase, subject to some restrictions. Please review our full Returns & Exchanges information.
I'm giving them as gifts for a bachelorette party. All are super cute!
I bought one for myself and several more as gifts. They are very pretty and I am pleased that the chain is a little longer than expected. I am glad I purchased.
This is a beautiful necklace! I remember many times a day to believe in my many blessings, to remember Jesus, and thank God every day for my family & friends. I wear this necklace every day and get many complements. I would recommend this necklace to my friends.