RAMON VERDUGA
Hi my name is Ramon, I had a motorbike accident 13 years ago that left me unable walk and needing to use a wheelchair. As a result of my disability I lost my job at the hotel I was working for. At Artizan Ecuador I have been able to develop the skills to create beautiful cards. This has helped to improve my life because I am able to work and provide for my family, I have a wife and two teenage sons. Outside of my work with Artizan Ecuador I love gardening and taking care of my plants. I also play wheelchair basketball and am part of a team here in Santo Domingo.
“Thank you for restoring my faith in humanity, and giving me back the fire to support my family.
The best thing that God has given me is to be part of this project and be able to live happily in my daily life and contribute to society with my work!”
- Ramon
FEDERICO GARCES
Hi, my name is Federico, I am 37 years old and lived at home with my parents. Because of my intellectual disability I feel rejected by society and I have never been given the chance to be independent. When I was invited to join Artizan Ecuador I was so grateful to finally be given the chance to earn my own wage. Outside of Artizan Ecuador I love to play football, I was not always allowed to play with the older teams, but now I have greater self confidence because I have a good job making beautiful cards!
“Thank you for taking me on in this project of Artizan Ecuador, thanks to you I was able to show my talents, I thank my teacher Lydia for being patient with me and teaching me to make cards.”
- Federico
PEDRO AYALA
My name is Pedro, I had an accident at home when I was just 20 years old, I fell off the roof of my house whilst trying to carry out maintenance. At the time I had a girlfriend and a baby on the way, she left me at the hospital and never came back because she couldn’t cope to be with someone with a disability. In 2019 I had another accident, this time I was knocked off my hand bike by a car and left on the side of the road with a broken leg. I love making cards and jewellery for Artizan, to keep my hands and mind active is so important, craft is a true therapy. Outside of Artizan I play wheelchair basketball and have played for Ecuador international.
“Being part of Artizan Ecuador has changed my life, we have a real community, Artizan for me is family.”
- Pedro
STEVEN CHONILLO
Hi, my name is Steven, my friends call me Chonillo. I had a motorbike accident when I was 18 years old. I was devastated to become disabled, I found it so hard to leave the house, finish my education and keep up with my friends. I feel really happy to work with Artizan Ecuador, life has changed and I am able to keep my mind busy doing what I love, which is making cards and jewellery. I can now say that my talents are playing wheelchair basketball, making cards and making jewellery!
“I feel extremely happy to be able to do what I am passionate about. I thank God and Susie for giving me this opportunity to show that I can make beautiful cards and jewellery.”
- Steven
DOUGLAS RODRIGUEZ
Hi, I’m Douglos, my accident was in 1999, I fell into a 100 meter chasm in my car resulting in hospitalization and the loss of use of my legs. At Artizan Ecuador we have formed a beautiful group and we look out for each other. Outside of Artizan Ecuador I love painting and listening to music. At the weekends I use my adapted car to take trips to the coast to buy and sell fish. I am able to continue making cards for Artizan Ecuador as I have been provided with all the equipment I need to work from home.
“ Artizan Ecuador is a great project for us as all people with disabilities feel included. I am very grateful for this project.”
- Douglas