Women

Health, Nutrition and Self Esteem workshop

Mothers of children in the comedors participate in weekly education meetings on a variety of topics including family healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, child development, birth control, women's health issues, self esteem, leadership, empowerment, HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, family violence, birth control, and many others. Each participant must attend these classes as well as volunteer hours to the comedor and pay a small fee ( approx. $1.25 per month) for her family to be a part of the comedors. This model encourages ownership of these projects.

Income Generating Workshops

Etta Projects works with women to enhance skills that allow them to continue to care for their families while participating in income generating activities. Workshops are chosen based on the needs and interest of the participants. Currently Etta I and Etta II workshops include a sewing program, cosmetology, jewelry, painting, family and community gardening, and chicken raising. Shorter workshops are available for yogurt making, empanadas, shampoo, cake decorating, and cooking. Many groups have graduated and now work independently of the comedor.

Financial literacy: Each income generating workshop is interwoven with financial literacy so that the women participants are prepared to become small business entrepreneurs. They learn the skills and knowledge to make thoughtful financial decisions and to take small micro credit loans if they choose. Women learn about savings, costs of living, and income management.