Sustaining Artisan Communities

The untouched forests and complex river systems in the Choco region are home to some of the poorest communities in Colombia, with 80 percent of the people there living in extreme poverty. Primarily of African and indigenous descent, many of these families experienced forced displacement as a result of the erupting civil war and the raging coca wars. Chocoanos suffer from a severe lack of economic opportunity, resulting in lack of housing and nourishment, illiteracy, disease, and increasing violence.

With the goal of generating sustainable solutions to the deep-rooted problems that afflict Choco, Aid to Artisans provides market support and training to artisans in the community. The artisans, most of whom are women, single mothers and war widows, weave beautiful handmade baskets and accessories out of native fibers, seeds, leaves and flowers. The artistry is a healing alternative to the heroin and cocaine cultivation work that is destroying the communities.

Your gift enables communities in the Choco region to generate a sustainable income and build a safe and peaceful foundation for themselves, their families and communities.

$100  order now