Empowering Families to Thrive
our talented artisans
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About Our Programs
World Orphans is a ministry centered around equipping churches to empower families within their communities. One of the ways we do this is through our economic empowerment program. We see over and over again that, given the right opportunities, women and men throughout our programs become successful entrepreneurs or skilled artisans in their fields. With the ability to provide for their children, these artisans help accomplish our greater goal at World Orphans: to preserve and empower families. When you make a purchase at the World Orphans Market, not only are you recieving high quality, one-of-a-kind, handmade goods, but you are also helping keep families intact. We think it’s a win—win!
We invite you to continue reading about the specific programs we offer and the stories of families who have moved from surviving to thriving!
Sewing Co-op of Zone 18
Zone 18 is a gang-infested community in Guatemala City where a World Orphan partner church is actively bringing the light of Jesus to many. In the fall of 2020, Pastor Nico and Adela met with three women on the third-level, covered terrace of their church and began teaching them the basics of sewing. These women began their journey with no knowledge of sewing, yet through perseverance and a teachable spirit are now making amazing handmade products available for purchase.
Each one has expressed appreciation and gratitude for this opportunity to learn and work as this enables them to provide for their families. The women continue to learn new techniques under the guidance of Francis (from MCV) and Pastor Nico, both of whom are servants who desire to share their knowledge in sewing so that these women can grow and develop in this art. Their products include, but are not limited to, hand-knit coffee bags, purses, leather keychains, headbands, and scrunchies.
Fresh Coffee from Guatemala
Sign up to receive freshly roasted Guatemalan coffee delivered to your doorstep. Make a one-time purchase or create a monthly subscription so you never miss a sip. Choose your favorite roast, either whole bean or ground. Every bag you order is shipped directly from Antigua and $2 per bag goes directly to the women in our sewing co-op.
People in Sewing Programs
Women in Training
Women in Sewing Programs
Jewelry from Ethiopia
Women with Vision
Women with Vision Co-Op started in 2017 and is made up of 4 women from the community of “La Verbena,” a tough inner city community near the Guatemala City dump. Leveraging their meticulous attention to detail, these women have made incredible advancements in their individual sewing abilities and quality of their products. Not only do these women have a deep commitment and passion for sewing, their work helps them earn a dignified wage that equips them to meet the needs of their families. They show an eagerness and excitement to learn new tricks of the trade, making their handmade products both modern and marketable. They currently offer purses, kimonos, shawls, pants, aprons, and more.
Crochet Cooperative
From Zone 18, Guatemala City, the Crochet Cooperative is composed of seven entrepreneurial and dedicated women seeking to bring their own flare to the sewing industry. Hermana Alba, a leader within a local church partnered with World Orphans, has devoted her year to teaching these women her trade. Beyond crocheting, Hermana truly embodies the ordeals she works to instill in these women: servant leadership and abounding patience. Despite the complexity of hand sewing, each artisan has been diligent in learning this art. They have shown a strong work ethic in learning and producing beautiful hats, headbands, and scarves. We are eager to see what new products these women will produce in 2022 as they use their gifts and abilities to earn money to provide for their families.
Our Best Sellers
Handcrafted Leather Goods
Pastor Nicolas Tellez grew up learning from his father how to make shoes and leather goods as a little boy in a small town of Nicaragua. After meeting his wife, Adela, and settling down in inner city Guatemala City, they planted a church together. In order to supplement their income, they make beautiful handmade leather good of all sorts. If you can imagine it, he can make it! In fact, several members of the Tellz family participate in making these gorgeous products. They are eager to share their knowledge and experience in working leather with the women they serve in their communities. The women in the Zone 18 sewing cooperative are learning to sew leather and produce leather purses, belts, aprons, computer cases, and many more leather products. The Tellez family is a family who is sold out for Christ in all they do. They are selfless people, eager to serve the many needs in their community without reservations.
