As part of its 2022/2023 grant requests, the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC) asked for the support of the ATA community to create an internships program for young weavers, aimed at developing the next generation of leadership for the CTTC and the weaving communities. You all gave generously to our spring 2022 campaign, and we were able to fund a grant that has already brought three young weavers to work at the center in Cusco. All three interns have learned new skills and provided valuable help to the CTTC’s programs.
Alesandro “Sandro” Hayme, from Accha Alta, is 19 years old, and he has been interning in retail operations. He says the work in the CTTC store has been excellent for his English, which is important to him as he is studying tourism. Luz Clarita Cusihuaman, from Chinchero, is 18 years old and has been working with Yolanda Jaimes Callañaupa, the CTTC director of community development. She is also studying tourism.
Maysharon Quispe Ojeda, from Patabamba, is working in the education department with the CTTC education coordinator Yanett Soto—great experience for her, since she is studying to be a teacher. You can hear Maysharon in this recent online program from Weave a Real Peace (WARP).
The three student will finish their internships in December, and the CTTC is already reviewing applications for the spring. All in all, the program has been a great success, and we look forward to seeing how today’s interns will help shape the future of their communities.
