Student Projects: Daniela Talero

While on the Colombia International Field Program 2012 in the city La Merced, Nonprofit Management student Daniela Talero worked with the local Mayor’s office to develop a small sewing cooperative, called Junt@s, for the town’s women and youth. The recent history of La Merced is scarred by violence and instability, as it was controlled by paramilitaries until just five years ago. As a result, La Merced has recently faced exorbitant rates of emigration, as women and youth have increasingly opted to move to more urban areas in search of job opportunities and better living standards. In addition to providing an alternative source of income-generation in this rural area, the Junt@s project included a broader component aimed to change the local work environment into one that promotes a space for healing and provides an opportunity to create a culture of community.

Women from La Merced receive training in sewing techniques

Daniela’s work with Junt@s did not end with the completion of the IFP, as Daniela followed up by petitioning a local government-sponsored education program to provide the women with a course in sewing techniques. To fulfill her goal of building a sense of community through healing, Daniela also arranged for the town’s psychologist to provide group or individual therapy to those involved as part of the project.

Daniela’s hard work paid off this spring when her initiative was named a winner of The New Challenge competition. The award money that Junt@s received for being selected will be invested back into this group of women, which will allow them to expand their access to resources and begin marketing their products with the end goal of creating their own clothing brand.

Further Reading

The New Challenge website
Brisa radio website – A local organization that did a write-up about Daniela’s project

 

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