An Industrious Entrepreneur

Irene Elechicon lives in Camarines Norte, which is known as one of the more depressed provinces in the Philippines.  Though the area is scenically rich with white sand beaches, small islands, rice fields, and coconut trees, many unemployed live in coastal "barangays" and squatter areas.  

At an early age, Irene learned the value of hard work.  When she was very young her father passed away, leaving seven small children in the care of her mother.  Irene says, "Being the second child, I helped work for the living, driven by my desire to help educate my siblings.  Now that they have their own lives, my advocacy is to provide jobs for the jobless in the community within my reach."

At present, Irene has two family members and one single parent, Agnes, working with her.  They work alongside each other in their quest for self-reliance.  Currently, they are making beaded jewelry sold at Elevita's boutiques.  In a recent message to Elevita, Irene shares, "My desire to touch the lives of others, economically, even one at a time, is my definition of success."

Irene's Mother

Agnes, a single mom with two children

Irene's Husband

Irene Elechicon, advocate for the undereducated and unemployed

Capiz Shell Enterprise

The Philippines have an abundant natural resource of capiz shells, which can be made into beautiful bowls, frames, jewelry, housewares, etc.  Entrepreneur Florita Escandor recently requested Elevita's help in acquiring a special oven to create these wonderful items.  She was able to find a second-hand oven for only 15,000 PHP, and her goal now is to help dozens of local women obtain employment with the new enterprise.  Elevita congratulates Flor on her vision and looks forward to posting updates on the venture!  In a few months some of these beautiful items will be available for sale on Elevita.com.

Elevita and Education

Elevita has recently partnered with a wonderful organization called Believe International.  Together we are working to extend the hope of a brighter future, through education, to those with little or no opportunity.

For example. as part of our partnership with Believe International, this year, Elevita.com is sponsoring the education of two lovely young women, Danica and Mia Quena from the Philippines. Danica is an excellent student and now in her 3^rd year of college studying to be an English teacher. Mia Quena (pictured below) is in her 2^nd year of high school and is also an excellent student.  The school year in the Philippines is June through March, and the country is currently in the process of converting from a K-10 educational system to a K-12 system.  Mia Quena is in the first batch that will complete the full 12 years of education.  Danica graduated from high school at the end of grade 10.  Without financial assistance, Danica and Mia would not be able to continue with their schooling.  Elevita is delighted to help these bright young women reach for a brighter and more secure economic future through continuing with their education. 

Thank you for your support of Elevita.  Buying gifts through Elevita.com not only provides business opportunity for artisans in facing economic hardship, it enables Elevita to support meaningful humanitarian and education projects,  like sponsoring Mia and Danica  from the Philippines. A gift bought from Elevita.com truly does a world of good.

Partnership with WHOlives

This holiday season Elevita committed to help the nonprofit organization WHOlives raise money by sending all if its "Angel Donors" ($25 or more) an Angel Ornament.  WHOlives is an impressive organization with a mission to provide clean and easy water access to millions of people through the use of its Village Drill.  The WHO stands for Water, Health, and Opportunity.  Elevita always feels privileged to form partnerships such as these!

Hostel in Keru, India

Work is underway on the hostel Elevita is helping to build in Keru, Rajasthan, India.  This hostel will allow girls from the rural desert to stay in a safe place and attend secondary school--an opportunity previously not available to them.  This is very exciting, as similar hostels in Rajasthan have proven to be a great success.  

Below are a few photographs of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, laying the ceremonial foundation stone of the hostel.  We are very grateful to all our generous donors who helped make this possible!

Ornaments to Aid Philippine Red Cross

We have all been saddened by the devastating typhoon that ravaged the Philippines last week. Though all our Elevita artisans are safe, there are still nearly 2,000,000 victims who have been displaced from their homes and are in desperate need of help. In an effort to assist, Elevita has committed to donate $1 to the Philippine Red Cross for every Christmas ornament sold between now and November 30th.  Decorate your tree in love this year!  Please visit www.Elevita.com to purchase as many ornaments as you can.

Elevita Artisans Safe After Typhoon

Elevita has been able to establish contact with all of its artisans, and we are grateful to report they are all safe and well.  Here are a few tidbits:

From Rosalie Blanza, creator of headbands and beaded coin purses:

Yes Maam,the damage was so terrible,especially in Visayas region,may province is not affected Maam,and thanks God,last time it was in our region.

From Margarita Cajumban, our 18-year-old painter:

i ll just need a little time to recover my materials and my studio,when the typoon come,ill prepared all.my parents got angry because ill protect my studio.even theres a typhoon i did not go to our home.even i know what happened.in the other stake almost 1000 got die. Now i retouch your painting..

From Arman Cagayat, woodcarver:

hello sister i got your money yesterday sorry for my late reply.because of the storm here in the philippines no electric power supply

From Francisco Cajumban, nativity artisan:

We are OK here in Southern part of Luzon though a Signal #2 has been warned. Thank you in remembering us here. Lets pray for all the families in Visaya regions.

From Florita Escandor, who manages the IReachOut cooperative and manages our relationships with the other Filipino artisans:

Our province just had hard rain.  people are safe.  artisans farm are still in good safe.  Our neighboring island are the most devastated.  this [photo below] happens to my neighboring island...just 1 hour away from my place...Please include as in your prayer.. Thank you for the american Soldiers for helping us.  Thank you again.