Jupa

Jupa - Alta Pamplona, Lima
Balvina Huaytalla Paquiyauri, Maribel Llachuas Armas, Luzmila Garcia Huaman, Hilda Diaz Polo, Soledad Quispe Baygorrea, Leonor Quispe Urbano

During the time of Peruvian terrorism in the 1980s, about 15 adolescents established Jupa as a youth group.  Jupa means “United Youth of Pamplona Alta” and its size has decreased over time to only five members. The members mainly work with arpilleras, a uniqutely South American detailed form of appliqué and embroidery, making handicrafts such as cards, bookmarks, and potholders.

They live in the slums of Alta Pamplona, a very arid area south of Lima.  The members of Jupa are young mothers and hope to improve their livelihoods through their Fair Trade work.  The Bridge of Hope Fair Trade project lent the group a sewing machine to help them improve their products.