Product Features:
- Dimension: Length: 1.2" x 1.1" W
- Weight: 0.01
- Color: Black and White
- Material: Glass beads, 925 sterling silver hooks
- Made in Guatemala
Story Behind the art:
Pearls of the Sea Youth Group was formed by 11 young women from El Salvador. The community is located between the sea and a coastal estuary where mangroves flourish. It's a beautiful place and it takes about 30 minutes to reach in a motorboat.
Small boats line up along the pier where visitors dock. Children greet you with a smile and islanders are very friendly and welcoming. But living in this lovely community has drawbacks as well as benefits.
One of the youngest group members, Iliana Isabel, says, I was born and grew up here. I live with my mother and am the oldest of three children. My mom had to be both mother and father at the same time. My family is poor and sometimes we didn't have enough to eat. When that happened, my mom would take my younger brother with her and go fishing. Sometimes they'd catch something. Sometimes they didn't. Life can be pretty hard here.
There aren't any jobs in our town and the men fish. Generally, women are homemakers and take care of their children.
Maria Gladis is 25 and talks about her life.
I have three children. I fish along with my spouse to feed our family. There were times when we returned home empty-handed. That's when I was overcome with worry over my children.
It's sad not to have food and, as a mother, I'd find a way to get them something to eat. I'd turn to my neighbors to help them with their work so I could earn some money. I always wanted to have a steady income so that my children wouldn't lack anything.
Maricela has a similar story.
I'm 23 and have two children. My daughter is seven years old and my son is four. They are my greatest treasures and my motivation to get ahead. On this island, there aren't any jobs for women because fishing is the only work. Sometimes, you win and sometimes you don't. It's a job that only men do.
Yaquelin Selena is 20 and tells us how the group started.
A woman named Cathy came to our town from the U.S. and she brought a project for young people. We had a meeting and invited more women.
Doris continues the story. One day, I ran into some friends and they mentioned that Cathy wanted to teach a group of women to craft jewelry. She taught us to make lots of beautiful designs. We also learned to value ourselves and be understanding when we run into problems. The mothers in our group are proud of ourselves and I can buy things that my children need with my earnings. Although it's not a lot, I feel good about it and more independent. I thank God for meeting Cathy and my colleagues.
After Cathy arrived and began offering training, more women joined the group to learn crafting techniques and begin working.
The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.
Imported