SR KATHLEEN EGAN DESCRIBES HER WORK

The women I work with are mostly migrants from drought-stricken areas. Here in the outskirts of the city of Tarija, they live in an area where there is no electricity, and one water tap for about 150 families. These migrants come empty handed, yet their very hands work magic:

once given a ball of wool or thread, they produce handcrafts of amazing beauty. Seeing this aptitude inspired me to set up a crafts workshop whereby the people could earn a living. We sell their products in Ireland and in a limited way in Bolivihela. The fact that their crafts are valued helps these people to recover and cherish their roots. Workshops on coping with stress, with uprootedness etc. are also organised.

The young people I have contact with are, on the whole, children of migrants. The ancient culture of their parents seems another world to them, and they grapple in a confused way with the ever changing global youth culture. We try to accompany them in their for their identity and their place in the local community.These activities with young and old are permeated by the promotion of social justice and human rights. The framework in which I try to carry out this work is the Basic Christian Community. I am forever edified by the way in which the Word finds a comfortable home in the hearts of these indigenous people and in time weaves together a vibrant Christian Community.