Seed Jewelry
Project Helps Colombian Youths
In the mid 1990s, Joyeria
Semilla, Spanish for "seed jewelry," began its small fair trade workshop
to provide much needed jobs and services to Colombian youth. Located in the
Andean town of Villa de Leyva, 7,200 feet above sea level, Joyeria Semilla serves
young people ages 9-25 who are at high risk of delinquency.
Youths are given the opportunity to study a craft and earn an income. After learning
to use the tools of the trade and understanding the basics of jewelry-making,
these young artisans create pieces made from seeds and small pieces of bamboo
found locally.
The project serves underprivileged
youth who struggle with alcoholism, prostitution, begging and thievery - the all
too familiar products of communities with limited education or employment prospects.
Several of the artisans are also single mothers, and for most, this is their only
safe way to earn a living.
When funds are available,
the workshop provides a daily meal and housing to the neediest. Unfortunately,
the lack of a profitable market for the jewelry has resulted in a lower number
of youth who can be employed and some services have decreased. Until recently,
the jewelry was primarily sold in local Colombian markets. But now, with the
assistance of fair-trade importers like One World Projects and EDImports (www.edimports.com)
there is renewed hope that sustainable income can provide for the needs of these
disadvantaged young people.
Please help the workshop through your fair trade purchases - together we can make a real
difference to some young artisans in Colombia.
4-Strand Red Seed Necklace!
Wide All-Red Seed Elastic Bracelet
43 Ellicott Ave 