Click “Donate” above to give a donation for the Women’s Artisan Studio and the Santiago Partnership operations and receive a tax-deductible receipt.

Meet Maria Quilumbaquin. She is a doctor who lives in Cayambe and serves the people of Ecuador as a politician. Maria is also a survivor of domestic abuse. She was able to free herself from violence and now she wants to help other abused women know that abuse is not acceptable and that these women can find freedom as well. Maria shares her story to inspire others to break free from violence.

THE PROBLEM

The Santiago Partnership has been serving in the greater Cayambe area since 2014 and has seen that domestic abuse is all too common.

2 out of every 3 women in the area are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse

Sadly, we have seen the impact of this abuse in our programs as children have come to the Home for At Risk Children due to abuse and we have seen similar situations in our other programs as well.

PURSUIT FOR INDEPENDENCE

Since late 2020, the Santiago Partnership has been serving 15 women who are survivors of domestic abuse as they are leaving or have left their abusive relationships. Many times, these women have children who are also leaving with them. One of the greatest difficulties these women have faced in trying to break free is finding economic independence from their abuser. They want to leave but struggle to find a way to make money for themselves and their children apart from their abuser.

Enter: Sumak

Sumak = “well-made” in Kichwa

A former employee had the vision to start a social enterprise that will give women the opportunity to find economic independence in a safe and supportive environment. This opportunity is Sumak. Women will arrive to the Artisan Studio and work together to make Kichwa-style jewelry that can be sold, ensuring that women will receive a fair wage.

how can you help?

We need your help to complete construction on the second floor of the Home for At Risk Children and to use the space to create an Artisan Studio for women. The Artisan Studio will have its own back entrance, a dedicated and safe space for women to make the jewelry.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

Click “Donate” above to support women like Maria!

Here are some donation amounts and what they could potentially fund:

The Forever Flowers have now been planted and we are awaiting the first harvest. Click above to learn more.

Our Expanding for Mission initiative has commenced as we have expanded with a new program in the northern city of Ibarra. Read the Blog updates for more information by clicking above.