Introduction - Productos Fique

Taking Initiative

Although the state has initiated some social programs to improve the lives of the less fortunate, one can’t deny that there is corruption and favoritism.  Help doesn’t always reach where it is most needed.  In the midst of all this, there are people that do not sit around waiting for the state or church to help the less fortunate.  They take the initiative and, while taking time from their own profession and family, dedicate their free time to help others as a way to enrich their own lives. 

It is because of this dedication that we introduce Productos Fique: Bags and Accessories and its founder, Beatriz Elena.  Since she was a child, Beatriz has been interested in those less fortunate, and how she could help them. 

Teaching Artisanship

Her first major project started with helping those that were displaced from their homes due to the FARC/guerilla conflict in “La Comuna Noriental” of Medellin.  These people are forced out of their homes and into other areas, and end up having to start over again in their own lands.  There, she taught 45 women how to knit and 16 of them are now making a living and supporting their families through this work by selling the goods at local arts and crafts shows. 

Her current project started when a local priest told Beatriz about a village of about 150 families that needed help.  It is located in the mountains of the Antioquia Region, outside of Medellin.  She started working with them about six months ago.  Beatriz literally gets dropped off in the middle of the road where the villagers meet her on horseback.  In the middle of nowhere, she spends the weekend teaching them how to make pocketbooks handmade from hemp fibers or rope (fique).  The project started with just a few families and is now support over 60 families with this trade.

Time to Get Help

Recently, Beatriz has started to feel the pressure to help the remaining families and move on to other local villages.  Once this village is self-sufficient, she will continue to spread her knowledge.  This is her life’s dream.  She has started to reach out to others so that they can help spread the work.  Marcela Shine initiated project Asi Crecemos to help spread the word in America. 

The best part about Beatriz is that not only does she bring them a trade, but her love, happiness and the hope of a better tomorrow.  She promises growth and leads these men and women by example.  Through her they learned that they can be recognized and admired by those outside of their small society. 

This project shows us that in the middle of scarcity and challenges, people can help each other grow. Antioquia’s villages can grow, Colombia will continue to grow and we will grow as human beings for reaching out to others in any little way that we can. 

Originally written in Spanish by Diego Argaez
Reporter for Cosmovision Noticias, Medellin, Colombia