Rates of mortality, poverty, and illiteracy are higher in rural indigenous communities.

Success Stories

Women Taking Control

Abandoned by her mother at age seven so she could have a better life, Yenni lived with a "religious" family that treated her as an employee and would not allow her to attend school. At sixteen, she left the family, and soon had her first baby. Employment was challenging, but Yenni always sought new opportunities and struggled to save money. She now works as a cook at our program, and as a result of her entrepreneurial spirit, Yenni sells other food products at night and on weekends. Through living and learning, Yenni has been able to do what others have been unable to achieve — save money. She says, "...saving is the only way you can get ahead...even if you only have 20 cents, you save that now and do not wait til the end of the day." She earns $102.86 (US) each month, compared to the $45 earned by her husband. She and her husband now have 4 children and live in a one-room apartment. When asked what has changed in her life since being part of Etta Projects, she says, "Everything." Previously she did not have a refrigerator — now she does; previously she could not afford medicine or school supplies for her children, but now she is able to save for unexpected expenses. Two of her daughters come to the comedor, and Yenni says that their health and growth is improving with the medical check-ups, nutritious meals and vitamin supplements.

Mujeres Sin Limites

We are a group of women who live in "the Floresta" neighborhood in the city of Montero, Santa Cruz, Bolivia who are part of the "Comedor de Niños Etta Turner".

We have worked together as a group for three years; accepting invitations which challenged us to become capacitated in sewing, cake making, nutrition, and other skills. The results in our lives have been prosperous both physically and emotionally, and we owe this to Etta Projects.

We have discovered our own value as people, as women, and to value our integral contribution to our families.

We want to improve the financial situation of our families, helping our children to progress, and to be examples of progress. With the encouragement of Etta Projects we decided to go into business with the skills we had learned, sewing artistically with aguayo and other materials. However, it was learn to administer a business that we really learned to value our work.

Currently we are promoting our products at fair prices, with high quality, and searching for markets both domestically and internationally. If you would like more information or are interested in our products please call 591-3- 92-26354 or email mujeres_sin_limites@hotmail.com

"My name is Maria Elena Algaranaz. I have three children. I come from a very humble family. I only studied until 8th grade, for economic reasons I could not study more. Etta Projects helped me to accomplish my dreams by building skills that have helped me to have a good job and improve the quality of my life with new values. When I arrived to the project, it occurred at a very difficult time in my life; I had a lot of health and economic problems. Support from the project has taught me a lot. Not only has it given my children better nutrition and good health, it has also given me the opportunity to build skills in nutrition, self-esteem, and small business management— as well as artisan skills with handmade textiles. At the beginning it took a lot for me to learn how to use the sewing machine, but thanks to the marvelous team of people that works and participates in the project, I overcame my fears and strengthened my self-esteem in order to feel capable of achieving my goals.

With the support from the project, a group called "Women Without Limits" ("Mujeres Sin Limites") was formed. This is a very solid and strong group that works with a lot of families from the project. With the confidence of my work partners, I have been given the opportunity to be President of this group. Since then, I also have earned the responsibility of being the Vice-President of The Artisans of Montero (AMEM). Etta Projects has also celebrated their confidence in me by giving me the opportunity to work as the Coordinator of Power Flour (a program for malnourished children).

My biggest motivation is my family. I feel that I am a person very blessed. I am thankful to God, and I am thankful to Etta Project's for the skills and opportunities that I have received. Because of the Project, I have come out ahead and my children have received support in their studies. Thank you, Etta."

Maria Elena Algaranaz
Mother of 3
Coordinator of Power Flour
Participant of the Sewing Workshop at Etta I
President of Women Without Limits