I met Herlinda for the first time last year, while in Ecuador for my thesis research. Not only is she an incredibly talented individual, but also a key figure in her community, devoting her life to two main things: sending her daughters to university and empowering women in Ecuador.

Donate now and join us in empowering her and hundreds of other artisans, by creating a place for them to learn, collaborate and raise their voices to be in charge of their own destinies.

Valdivia, a small village of 1000 people but 6000 years of cultural heritage. People living in this area battle poverty, unemployment, malnutrition and the threat of an environmental catastrophe related to the floods of the phenomenon el Niño. We aim to change the narrative, creating a space for learning, collaboration and empowerment.

Since January this year, we've transformed an empty field in Valdivia into a marketplace and community center. We've built stands, a communal kitchen, eco-friendly toilets, and a main stage for workshops and concerts. Our goal is to create a collective of local entrepreneurs, giving Valdivia a platform for economic growth, workshops, fairs, and activities for all ages.

Now, there are many exciting challenges ahead, and, despite the initial funding we received from the Danish state, we have urgent needs to raise more funds in order to build more infrastructure and invite experts for professional training.

Our ambitious goal is to raise between $5,000 and $10,000 before Christmas.

However, any amount donated will make a huge impact. With $15 (100 DKK) per artisan, we can offer a workshop on product value and marketing. With $50 (350 DKK), we can pay for their bus and material needed for a fair. With $500 (3500 DKK) we can build another big pavilion for the marketplace, and with $3000 (21,000 DKK) we can buy a container to safely store products, chairs, tables and any workshop material.

Your decision, their relief, your impact. Join us to empower more than a thousand families!

For more information, contact us/me directly on social media: UBU or check out the project here . Explore our local partner's activities in Futuro Valdivia's website .