Fairtrade Alpaca Knitwear & Handcrafts

Supporting Fairtrade Cottage Industry & Community Projects in Bolivia

In 1992 as part of my degree in Latin American Studies, I went to Bolivia...

I worked as a volunteer at the State-run Jose Soria children´s home with three other volunteers. We helped set up the "Amigos del Hogar" (friends of the home) and devised a creativity programme. This included a variety of activities such as art workshops, visits to the local park and to hot springs.

Since that time I have maintained strong links with the on-going fundraising and volunteering programmes.

Through this first hand contact, at Love from Bolivia, we buy directly from Artesania Sorata, a worker’s co-operative, founded 30 years ago. It provides work to over 150 indigenous families in La Paz, El Alto and Sorata.

Income generated by the artisans enables them to provide a higher standard of living for their families.

Profits from Artesania Sorata also directly benefit the Jose Soria children’s home where I worked.

See Artesania Sorata for more information.

When I had my first baby friends at Artesania Sorata sent me one of these beautiful alpaca blankets. So many people commented on how striking the blanket was that I had the idea of importing them.

Each blanket is a unique work of art and these amazing crafts deserve a wider market. To complement the blankets and throws I also sell traditional dolls, bags and cushion covers.

In buying something from Love From Bolivia I hope you will gain an insight into the lives and landscapes of this wonderful country whilst supporting indigenous families and strengthening the fairtrade movement.