Livable Conditions

We observe that when women in our program are able to earn extra income, they typically use it one of two ways: much needed medical treatment for a family member or making improvements to their homes.  Thanks to our empowerment programs, recent improvements within the community include: replacing a “found objects” roof with a single sheet of tin to keep out rain, getting electricity to the house for the first time, creating an indoor cooking space with a table, creating a front door that keeps out dust and rain, erecting a partition to create a separate sleeping place for the parents, etc.  The stability of healthy family members and/or a space that is safe from the elements and has working electricity makes learning possible for children in poverty.   

With these “livable conditions” in mind, we work closely with women in our program on increasing their financial independence.  Our Women’s Work Program has three key components: Continuing education/entrepreneurship, MdC work opportunities (CE staff and artisan program) and a Nano-loan program through our nonprofit partner Our Biswas.   

  • Women’s Work Program 

Opportunities for work are limited due to the low skill, limited education, and the lack of a support network in the community.  We empower the women in our community by: 

  • Offering them continuing education opportunities, often through local adult education programs 

  • Providing small grants and business counseling to start at home businesses 

  • Training women in artisan crafts that can be sold on our website and on Etsy in the US (follow this link to shop for beautiful hand-crafted gifts!) 

  • Casa Esperanza staff roles 

We are delighted to have hired over 30% of our staff from within the community to fill much needed roles at Casa Esperanza. In addition to much needed income, they have a role in creating the change they want to see in their community and are gaining valuable work experience that can make them more marketable by other employers in San Luis RC. 

  • Nano-Loan Program 

We have partnered with a nonprofit from India called Our Biswas to make nano-loans available to our community members.   They have provided the loan capital and many valuable lessons learned and we administer these revolving zero interest loans of ~100 USD initially.  Once a woman has repaid her loan, she can take another for a higher amount. Women appreciate access to temporary funds without onerous interest rates charged by loan sharks in the area.  

How To Help 

To support our Women’s Work Program you can purchase bags at our Store.  To donate towards the continuing education and entrepreneurial endeavors of the women in our program, please use the link below.