Personal stories from around the world can be truly inspiring. As you read this e-letter, we hope that the stories from some of our beneficiaries will evoke that same sense of inspiration in you.

Cruz Quétzal, is not only a traditional Mexican stitching technique, but is the name of a newly formed artisan enterprise locate d in the highlands of the Mexican

state, Chiapas, in a small municipality called San Juan Cancúc. This municipality is known for its handcrafted products made by using the traditional backstrap loom technique.

As a part of our Manos Vivas 2.0 project, we are administering a series of module trainings that provide multiple artisan communities with the tools they need to continue to develop their businesses and grow. We are proud to support the 27 artisans from Cruz Quétzal whom despite facing various obstacles such as illiteracy, only speaking the native language of Tseltal, living in remote areas with little to no cell phone service, or balancing their love for their artisan work and motherhood, have shown great interest in the modules and have yet to miss a day!

During these sessions, not only have the artisans learned and applied design techniques to create their new collections thus far, but they have also organized themselves to formally market their products under the Cruz Quétzal brand, with the aim of increasing their income and improving their economic conditions and quality of life.

The Manos Vivas 2.0 project extension is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Pictured: The artisans of Cruz Quétzal

After 13 months of hard work, our 37 young beneficiaries from the Resilience Through Craft pilot project, funded through Creative Associates’ Inclusive Governance for Resilience program in Burkina Faso, celebrated their successes and learnings by coming together in their respective communities, Koudougou and Bobo- Dioulasso.

Each community held a ceremony in front of their friends, families, government and project representatives, and members of the artisan enterprises who mentored them.

As a result of this program, these young people in both communities have established their own artisan associations: Lagm-Taab-Yam (LTY) Association in Koudougou and Association Diarazemi in Bobo Dioulasso, where they can unite and further develop their technical skills. Regardless of whether their primary focus was on accounting or weaving during this project, all beneficiaries had the chance to broaden their knowledge in various aspects of being an artisan entrepreneur and are now ready to put those skills to the test on their own. They also had the opportunity to connect with key community leaders who can support their success as an association, having built connections to last into the future.

The bulk of this project consisted of technical and entrepreneurial workshops, participatory dialogue, and participation in local fairs, where at one point a beneficiary shared:

“What I take away from this workshop, first and foremost, is that I came to meet young people who were in need, just like me. The testimony of the President of CAF really touched me, and I would like to follow in her footsteps. Over the two days, I learned some things about craftsmanship that I never thought I could even conceive one day, and today, I leave with this grace.” – SALO W. Vincent de Paul from Koudougou

This project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is in partnership with Creative Associates International (Creative) and their sub-partner, Lutheran World Relief (LWR).

Pictured: Youth in Bobo-Dioulasso after their certificate ceremony.

Even in the most challenging circumstances, Wafaa Dahman finds solace in her embroidery work.

Wafaa, her husband Amjad, and their three children are all deaf, yet their lives are woven together by creativity and resilience. From a young age, Wafaa embraced the art of embroidery, a craft that became her sanctuary and allowed her to overcome the challenges she has faced. Today, as a devoted wife and mother, her craft tells stories through delicate stitches, preserving tradition and providing for her family’s future.

Amjad, Wafaa’s husband, is also a talented artist. Together, they encourage each other against all odds, finding strength and solace in their art. Amidst the backdrop of conflict, Wafaa’s craft not only preserves her heritage but also shields her loved ones, stitching together a tapestry of hope and resilience.

Supported by Atfaluna in Gaza, Wafaa and her family have found refuge in a humble tent in a distant camp after being displaced by the events happening in their region. Yet, it is her unwavering determination and creativity that truly protect her family, offering them a sense of security and a brighter future.

Please join us in continuing to rebuild hope by donating to not only Wafaa, but also to 48 other artisans who all have in total 85 children. These families consist of individuals living with disabilities and love for craft. Click HERE to learn more and donate to the Rebuilding Hope campaign.

Pictured: Wafaa sitting with her three children in their tent. Click HERE to hear Wafaa’s story.

-From Las Vegas to New York! ATA partners Dos Tierras and Exploring Tibetan Handmade are exhibiting at the Las Vegas Market and Shoppe Object, while EthicsFoods will be exhibiting at Cocina Sabrosa in Dallas for the very first time!

-Registration for the annual 2024 eMarket Readiness Program is closing, so CLICK HERE to secure your spot and start your journey towards learning how to be successful in the international market.

Pictured: Tamula marmalade – a product distributed by EthicsFoods and created by artisans from the ATA Manos Vivas 2.0 project.