Reina
Reina is known as the hardest working woman in the whole artisan group. She is a single mother and lives with her 4 year old son Alexis and 10 other family members in a small house with a tin roof and no plumbing. She is the primary supporter of the family.
Before working with Arte Comasagua and Hope For Women, Reina went to San Salvador to work in a factory and clean houses she felt isolated and alone.
Reina hardly spoke and was very shy and reserved, but things began to change when she started creating cards. Working with the other women and being a provider for her family has really helped her come into her own. She now she looks you right in the eye and speaks without any hesitation. I have made many friends I like the camaraderie and being able to relate to the other women.
When asked what she likes most about the work Reina says, It keeps me busy and I can focus on work and not the problems of life it is liberating for me. It is not like working in an abusive factory where you constantly are getting yelled at and pushed to work faster. I like too that I can work either with the other women or from home where I can be with my son and family. I have more control of my life and my time.
Having a flexible schedule also allows her to help her father in their corn fields, something she never had time to do in the past due to the long hours commuting to the city for work.
For having only a 3rd grade education Reina feels that the work is a great opportunity for her to support herself and her family, while also having fun and making friends. I want to help my son give him an education and opportunity so he can have a better life than me.
- Alexis - Reina's son
- Reina collecting botanicals
