By Edwin Ajuchan | Social Programs Director
At Cojolya, we understand that the well-being of our artisans is also strengthened when they have safe spaces to learn, develop new skills, and confidently take on new challenges.
Less than a month ago, a group of female artisans and one male artisan from the garment-making sector participated in a two-day hands-on training session to learn how to use new tools: triple-feed sewing machines and a leather-cutting machine. These machines were purchased as part of the Association’s efforts to expand its garment-making capabilities and to ensure we have the right tools for producing our bags and other products. However, for us, their value goes far beyond the equipment itself: it means opening up new opportunities for our artisans to learn, gain knowledge, and develop skills that will stay with them. Having the right equipment and the opportunity to learn how to use it safely allows them to tackle new challenges with greater confidence, gradually strengthening their self-esteem, personal development, and sense of security as they carry out their work. Furthermore, these skills can be shared with those who join the program in the future, ensuring that knowledge continues to grow within our community.
Beyond simply learning how to operate new equipment, this experience provided them with an opportunity to learn something new, test their abilities, and gain confidence with tools that might have seemed intimidating at first.
For some of the artisans, getting started with these machines for the first time wasn’t easy. One of them shared that she felt a little scared when using the leather-cutting machine, as she was afraid her hand might get too close and get hurt.
Her reaction reminded us that learning something new also means acknowledging our fears and having the confidence to move forward little by little.
That’s why, during the two-day orientation, each participant had the opportunity to observe, practice, and gradually become familiar with the equipment, with support and encouragement throughout the process.
Little by little, we’ve seen how that initial fear begins to turn into confidence. It’s still a learning process, but every time an artisan dares to use a tool again that once frightened her, she’s taking a small step toward greater confidence in her own abilities.
For us, that change is also part of well-being.
Caring for our artisans isn’t limited to simply addressing a need as it arises. It also means creating opportunities for them to feel supported, develop new skills, and build the confidence they need to face the various challenges in their lives and work.
Learning to use a new tool isn’t just about acquiring a technical skill. It also means discovering that we can approach the unknown, ask questions, practice, make mistakes, try again, and keep moving forward.
This experience allowed us to support our artisans precisely in that process: learning at their own pace, overcoming fear, and discovering new abilities.
Sometimes, a big step begins with something as simple as daring to try.
And for us, seeing our artisans take those first steps is a source of pride and yet another reason to continue creating spaces that contribute to their well-being, safety, confidence, and personal development.
Thank you to everyone who makes it possible for these spaces for learning and support to continue. Your support allows us to be there not only when our artisans need assistance, but also when they have the opportunity to grow, learn, and discover everything they’re capable of doing.
By Edwin Ajuchan | Social Programs Director
By Edwin Ajuchan | Director del Programa Social
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