STORIES

 

  

 

  

 "I am proud to represent CTEA (Centro Tecnico El Alto), a micro enterprise created by women from mining communities. Today, I can support my family without risking my life and my family.. like my parents did."  Marina, La Paz Bolivia

   

       

Judith knows that being out in the sun puts her at great risk of skin cancer, so she sews for Albino Peacemakers'. Judith is legally blind, like most people with albinism, and yet she insists on doing each part of the project herself, even threading the needle on the sewing machine. Judith, Tanzania

 

   

    

 

                                                                                                            

My name is Yolanda Ayala Parra. I would like to express my gratitude for your donation to United 4 Change (U4C). With your support, U4C was able to offer me an Inspirational Package that included educational classes, technical training, and a sewing kit. This opportunity is having a huge impact on my life and is helping me achieve my dreams for the future. In order for you to understand just how much I value you and your generosity, I would like to tell you a little bit more about me and my life. Yolanda Ayala Parra, La Paz Bolivia

  

I am sixty two years old, and like most people, I have faced many challenges.  I never knew my father; my mother raised me all by herself and supported us by working in the mines. Although there are many dangers and risks that accompany mining, other opportunities are difficult to find.  Even though I was very fortunate to graduate from high school, I myself am working at the mine. Eight years ago, my husband, Nazario, went to look for a job in Tipuani or Quanay. He worked as an underground miner in the Molliquerio company until his life was taken by a horrible landslide.  Nazario and I had three children: Maria Eugenia, age forty one; Miguel Angel, age thirty nine; and Maria Christina, age twenty two.  My children all live in the city. I completely support myself and I have been working at the mines for six years now.  I am lucky to be in good health, however a few years ago I had an accident at the mines that I miraculously survived. I fell from twenty four meters (about seventy nine feet) with a load that fractured my arm, ribs, and clavicle. Now I do receptionist work for the mining company. Other than the mines I have visited the cities of Oruro, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Potosi; but I have never left Bolivia.

I love the courses I have been taking at the Women’s Center through U4C.  After I complete the program, I plan to teach other women to read, write, and sew. My name is Feliza Marca Mina. I would like to express my gratitude for your donation to United 4 Change (U4C). With your support, U4C was able to offer me an Inspirational Package that included educational classes, technical training, and a sewing kit. This opportunity is having a huge impact on my life by making a difference in the future I am able to provide for my children. In order for you to understand just how much I value you and your generosity, I would like to tell you a little bit more about me and my life. Feliza Marca Mina, La Paz Boliva

I am thirty eight years old. My mother raised me by herself and worked in the mines.  Although there are many dangers and risks that accompany mining, other opportunities are difficult to find. My formal education stopped after middle school because I had to go to work in the mines, where I have been working ever since, to help support my family.  Since 1991 I have worked in the corporate part of the mine.  I am divorced and I support my children, Marco and Gabriela, on my own.  I suffer from kidney problems, but thankfully my children are healthy.  Other than the mines I have visited the cities of Oruro, Cochabamba, and La Paz, which is where my children attend school.

I love the courses I have been taking at the Women’s Center through U4C. With the extra income I will be able to make sewing I hope to give my children a better life.  It is my dream for both my children to finish school and be able to start their own business.

I am fifty five years old. My mother raised me by herself and worked in the mines. Although there are many dangers and risks that accompany mining, other opportunities are difficult to find. I am a widow, and I have been working in the mines since 1994 in able to support my nine children: Casilda, Hilda, Sadara, Cecilia, Isabel, Miguel Angel, Viviana, Bertha, and Yoselin. I have gastritis problems, which cause the lining of my stomach to get inflamed, and visual problems.  Thankfully my children are healthy. Other than the mines I have visited the cities of Oruro, La Paz, and Santa Cruz; but I have never left Bolivia.

I am 39 years old. My husband died 3 years ago and since then, I’ve been taking care of my 3 children and my father. I attended up to 7th grade only and because I had never have the opportunity to finish school, I make sure my kids go to school and avoid working at the mines. Although one of my boys works as a mechanic, the other two are still in school.

  

Because life is not easy at the mines, I sent my kids to the City with some relatives and I stay here working underground and as a bricklayer’s assistant. That way, I have something to eat and pay for my medical check-ups.  The doctor says I have liver problems, anemia and high blood pressure. I am very grateful for the program offered by this organization. It makes me happy because it’s helping me to catch up with my education…although it’s difficult, I am learning again how to read and write.... I feel confident I will be able to find a better job here, without having to go underground the mines (socabon). With the sewing classes, I‘m having the opportunity to be part of our micro-enterprise. I’m very excited because we’re making bags.