Seeing Stitches in Ecuador
by e3 Partners Ibarra, Imbabura, Ecuador Health
"I can no longer see to do my work." This is the cry of many women in Ibarra who embroider items to sell to support their families. As their abil...
"I can no longer see to do my work." This is the cry of many women in Ibarra who embroider items to sell to support their families. As their ability to see smaller things diminishes, so do their chances of providing for their families.
Imagine trying to thread a needle under candlelight, and not being able to finish a dress that could be sold in the market to help buy food for your family. The only source of income for many in Ibarra, Ecuador is sewing clothes. As these women age, so does their eyesight. This is the reality of millions of people the world over.
"When I visited Zuleta and other villages around lbarra two years ago, we found delightful people, many over 80 years old, who embroider and farm for a living. Many of the women had a hard time because their vision wasn't sharp any more. Others couldn't see to read. They were delighted with the reading glasses we supplied! This year, we will visit more villages, supplying reading glasses to those in need."
Reading glasses can help with many problems that require reading and these types of close handwork. Through the simple gift of seeing more clearly with the use of eyeglasses, we can improve the quality of life for these individuals, essentially giving back their lives, dignity, and ability to provide for their families.
E3 Medical's August trip to Ibarra will provide glasses to help people see do their work.