Cooperative Associaton of Industrial Production, Savings, Credit and Consuption, Sister Silvia Arriola (ACOSILVA)

Mariona, San Salvador

Evident in this group’s name is the fact that they aim to do a lot. Beyond being an artisan group, they aim to be a source of support for their community. By offering financial help, training and an organized forum for cooperative working, they have created a strong group that looks after the needs of its members. The men and women that make up this group come from all kinds of backgrounds. There are teachers, single mothers, grandmothers, students, women who identify as housewives, there are also many with other professions such as psychologist or social worker. All of these people have come together to because they believe that this group has the power to improve the quality of life for themselves and those around them. As a result, members are acutely aware of the varying kinds of struggles that exist in their community.

The group has a space where community members can meet. It is here that they produce their beautiful textile works. The room is bright and filled with colourful swatches of fabric and spools of embroidery thread. Artisans work together sewing, ironing, adding tiny details to puppets or fine embroidery work. The atmosphere is social and positive. 

Otilia Guardado tells the story of what this space has meant to her: 
“It is a space of learning and development in my life. It is an integral process for women that we are a part of it. It is a dream that will continue to be built upon even though it is a challenge.”