After three days of travel I finally arrived in Independencia and started my jewelry class with the women! The small, but mighty, group consists of 5 women who have been regulars in the Club since I started working here.
We began our 2 weeks class with a project that, while easy, does require wire manipulation and skill. When I showed the women the project they all looked at me like I was asking them to design a rocket! Clearly, they were convinced that this project was way over their heads. But, having the belief and knowledge of their skill level, I assured them they could master the project. And of course they did.
It was rewarding to see how much they have grown in the jewelry since my last trip. Every month Dona Maxima leads a jewelry day where they make past class projects and design their own pieces. It was clear that they have been keeping up with the jewelry because their profiency was far beyond what I remembered it being.
Last summer, I spent a lot of time reminding them what pliers to use for what (“No! The cutter is not for making loops”). This year, I didn’t have to remind a single woman. They effortlessly selected the right tools and beads for the project. For women who have barely a primary school education, the process of learning is more than acquiring a new skills. It’s showing them that learning is possible for them and that they are intelligent, capable women.
The women were so thrilled by the first project that, when they returned in the afternoon, they decided to make an entire matching set with the technique. We started with bracelets and in the afternoon they made earrings and pendants with a wire wrapped chain. The work came out beautifully and there was a lot of modeling toward the end of the afternoon.
The women are excited to see what’s next and I’m excited to see them continue to grow in their jewelry making skills.