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Machu Picchu Stars
What is it?
There are at least 20,000 hearing-disabled persons in greater
Lima, many of whom have been trained as seamstresses. They often
cannot find work as employers find it too difficult to communicate
with them in the fast pace and competitive environment of Lima's
clothing factories. It is estimated that up to 90% of the people in
Peru are unemployed or underemployed. With this kind of situation,
it is very difficult for disabled people to find employment. If they
are lucky and do find a job, they are often ruthlessly exploited by
unscrupulous employers. On top of this, the hearing disabled often
live in extreme poverty and isolation due to their inability to
communicate (many can not read or write and some can’t lip read or
use sign language).
Machu Picchu Stars began with two women, a borrowed
sewing machine and $80 in capital. It now employs 14 people and has
accumulated a capital of more than $8000 in machines, finished
products and cash. Currently Machu Picchu Stars produces ethnic
Peruvian dolls and children’s clothes. The members of Machu Picchu
Stars have come a long way since the project began. In the beginning
they were very timid as before they had hardly left their homes
unassisted. Now they have developed more confidence and greater self
esteem which brings about hope and independence that wasn't possible
before.
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| Machu
Picchu Stars showing off their wares |
Machu
Picchu Stars at work |
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