Michael Stanley goes south

Submitted by michael stanley - January 9, 2008 | Add a Comment

Happy New Year!

I was in Argentina these past holidays with family and friends. I did the usual things I do when I go back to my adolescent home. Party, Eat and Sleep. I eat another piece of meat, and I guarantee you I will turn into a cow. Which probably wouldn’t be a bad thing, perhaps then I will learn to eat less of it. Barbecue…mmmmmm….

Anyway, I found a project worth talking about. Talk about a Peace project. I discovered it because a cousin of mine runs the project. It’s called Mediapila. This literally means “half a battery”. In Argentina, it is used when you tell someone all they need to do is apply just a little energy. A few years ago, a group of friends, my cousin among them, got together and pondered the dire economic situation surrounding this beloved country. They thought of donating money, of helping food kitchens, you know, the typical things we all do (and should).

Yet, one of them, pounced on a brilliant idea. The idea was life changing, LIFE CHANGING, for 38 women. These friends decided to pitch in some cash, about $5,000 in all, and buy some sewing machines, materials, rent a space to start a t-shirt business. But they only employed women who they found collecting garbage.

Only women off of the street. I've seen these people myself. After the economic crisis, thousands of people rummaged through the city trash to find recyclable items, which they would in turn, get money for. They were taught to sew and stitch. The founders' job would be to design and sell the t-shirts. All the money would be re-invested into more job creation. Teach more women a craft, a skill. Don't let any politician tell you that Education isn't worth investing in!

So they began with 6 women, two years later they have 38. They sell over 6,000 T兵s a year. But it doesn't stop with a T-shirt company. They want to move on to other businesses, like other clothing, and other industries completely different.

38 women who earn a dignified wage, who can support their families. Whose lives are changed! This is what Peace should be about. Changing lives.

In a world where war, corruption and violence make front page, this is about as refreshing as it gets.

Until next week,

Michael

 

Notice:Our blog writers welcome your comments. Please be respectful, thoughtful, and considerate in your responses - and aware that this site is regularly visited by kids of all ages, as well as adults (of all ages.) We will not allow profanity, obscenity, or verbal abuse. And please -- no personal or political agendas! Whatever you want to suggest that is creative and constructive -- and that will add another layer to the discussion -- will be most appreciated. Consider your comment an Act of Peace.

A valid email address is required to have your comment posted (but your email address will not appear.) Comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment appearing. There is no need to resubmit your comment.