In Bolivia, the people of Hichuraya and Muramaya are proving that they can lift themselves out of poverty with their own two hands. A few weeks ago, we bragged about their new skills of dying wool to weave into shawls and blankets that are now being sold in Italy!

Willy and Maxi, CHOICE Humanitarian In-Country Directors of Bolivia, have been working extremely hard to provide the needed training and equipment to get this business rolling. The villagers are now learning how to knit, including 60-year-old Antonio.

Due to painful hip problems, this father of five struggles even to walk. But, in the comfort of a chair, he has learned to wield five needles at a time to knit gloves. He’s optimistic that he can better support his family now.

Marisol Condori is 10-years old: “In my family, there are six children. I am the oldest. Today, I am helping my mother look after the baby because she is learning to knit gloves.”Her mother is taking lessons at the craft school built and run by CHOICE Humanitarian.

Marisol (right) with her mother (center).

The staff of CHOICE Bolivia have also helped secure loans for these villagers, allowing them to dye more wool, make more yarn, and knit more gloves for their Italian buyer. “We are all encouraged because we can make some more money for our family,” Marisol says. “Many times my brothers are hungry because we cannot afford to buy a loaf of bread. Then we are happy because if my mother knits, we have money. I also want to learn to knit and help my family.”

Thanks to all those who support CHOICE Humanitarian. To learn how you can help, please visit CHOICEHumanitarian.org