The Q'ewar Project

The Q'ewar Project is a social work initiative in the small village of Andahuaylillas, in the rural highlands of Peru's Andes Mountains. It was founded in 2002 and aims to equip indigenous women with skills necessary for economic independence, to provide a humane and respectful working environment, and to foster self-esteem.

Q'ewar is a Quechua word. The social work arises out of a process of maturation between the Peruvian founders of the Project, Julio Herrera and Lucy Terrazas and the peasant rural community outside Cuzco, called Andahuaylillas. Lucy and Julio decided to settle in Andahuaylillas in October 2000. Because the town is small, the frequency of daily contact with village women made possible and gave rise to bonds of friendship, harmonious collaboration and a strong sense in them for the hard conditions of the life of the rural Andean people.

In January 2002, Lucy and Julio were able to set up a small room in their rented house as a communal workshop. To begin with, 130 kilos of sheep's wool was purchased. All of the wool needed to be cleaned and washed. The basic motivation that led to this social initiative stems from the human bond of brotherhood for the women and men worst affected by their destiny. The Q’ewar Project also attempts to take responsibility for helping local and broader society overcome ignorance and racism. Money earned from the project will go to the daily wages of the workers and health and living conditions of the women and children.

External links

* [http://qewar.com The Q'ewar Project website]
* [http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=4673279529600351849&hl=en German video by Director, Heidi Schmid]