Land & Livelihood for Indigenous Peoples of the Chaco Region
Chaco region of South America--Gregoria Lopez showing some of her crafts. Photo: CWS |
Also see our Photo Gallery: CWS Chaco Initiative.
Indigenous people in South America's Grand Chaco region are the focus of a four-year collaboration between Church World Service and five local partners in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Through this project, the struggles of indigenous people are gaining visibility, their voices are being heard in the decisions that affect their lives, and they are being encouraged to preserve their culture for future generations.
Indigenous communities are also gaining access to land and developing sustainable livelihoods through training in areas such as sustainable agricultural methods, developing seed banks, and improved goat and hog raising. Particular attention is being paid to youth--especially young women--in providing education and helping them to become empowered.
"Women's community organizing deserves to be respected. We have the right to get organized, to our identity, to exercise freedom of expression, to be acknowledged and appreciated, because we are human beings, and God created men and women with the same rights," says Ermelinda Villa, Wichi leader from northern Argentina.
Another woman participating in the program, Gregoria Lopez, helps support herself and her family with her handicrafts. Lopez learned craftwork from her parents and grandparents. Although Lopez gets paid very little, she continues to work to support her children, and preserve her community's traditions. Lopez and other women are passing their skills down to their daughters and granddaughters.
Individual support for Church World Service, and special gifts from the Disciples Week of Compassion, Presbyterian Hunger Program, and United Methodist Committee on Relief, help make this program possible.
Updated 4/16/2007
Learn more: CWS Chaco Initiative
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