Mercado Global is a non-profit organization that gives rural native women in Guatemala the tools and skills to support themselves and their families by training them to be successful artisans. Mercado Global goes an important step further by making the connection and forging partnerships with major US companies like Levis and Whole Foods who import the women’s wares and who in turn, sells them in the US market. Mercado Global invests 100% of its profits from sales into local educational projects, scholarships and school construction, and since its inception in 2004 has funded scores of scholarships for children.
Prior to working with Mercado Global, the primary source of employment for women in San Pablo, Guatemala was the production of crocheted hacky sacks (small balls filled with plastic beads) for approximately 25 cents each, which only slightly covered the costs for materials needed to produce each sack. After completing a beaded jewelry course that HOT paid for, these women were able to produce beaded eyeglass necklaces for a major eyewear company in the US. Through this order, women earned 12 times more per day than they previously earned with the hacky sacks. The women are using the additional income to buy shoes, school materials and more nutritious food for their children. HOT was there when the communities the Mercado Global women live in were ravaged by Tropical Storm Agatha and have recently created a loan program where the women borrow money for advanced training and repay their loans with part the incremental income they receive from the higher amounts they are paid for specialty items. There are many opportunities to help these women. Part of me wants to put the details of the various programs that will only be offered if HOT donors designate their gifts for these projects. In summary form:
$6,750 to teach basic literacy
$8,000 to establish a revolving loan program to buy sewing machines
$1,125 for Leadership Programs (Public Speaking, Community Organizing Training, Disaster Relief Training)
- $5,000 for a Computer Center which includes $3,000 for 5 computers, $625 for 5 desks, $375 for installation of UPS and other computer equipment and $1,000 to train 20 top artisans.