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As part of our expansion campaign, we have partnered with the Government of Guatemala and the World Bank, as well as individual donors to provide 70 artisans with the training to improve their skills using industrial sewing machines. This will open up immediate opportunities for at least 23 artisans to participate in our revolving loan program to receive their own industrial sewing machines, and open the door to dozens more artisans in the future. Thank you for helping our partner artisans gain access to this incredible opportunity!  

The training is taking place at our office, where artisans can individually work on industrial sewing machines and receive guidance from MG’s production team and trainers. The first “graduating class” is pictured below and completed the program on January 24th with a contagious excitement that was quickly spread around the office.

Artisans stand proud after completing training
 

Here’s what some artisans have to say about this program:

“I enjoy the opportunity of learning new skills, techniques and silhouettes…I think this will help me improve the quality of my work and expand my work possibilities.” - Maria, partner artisan.

“I already own a machine but I didn’t know how to do leather work with it. I’m very excited to try what I have learned here from Mercado Global and help my fellow artisans.” - Catalina, partner artisan.

Delia Mendoza, Guatemala Programs Director, comments on this program: “This training program represents an amazing opportunity for Mercado Global…we are getting the chance to train current and new partner artisans, and immediately pair them with the sales orders that we have lined up. I can see the women’s eagerness to be part of the training, you can see them happy and filled with pride when they realize that they are capable of learning new skills.”

At Mercado Global, we are increasing our efforts to make ethically-sourced products and the empowerment of women a reality worldwide.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all of those who are joining this movement!

Artisans at training session at MG's headquarters in Guatemala