Hershey High School Spanish Honor Society has sold 78 bracelets, or pulseras, this year to support artisans in Central America through the Pulsera Project.
“I want the talents of the young girls to be appreciated,” said Spanish club member Raiana Atebaeva, “it’s a great way to learn about the different patterns and styles.”
According to Hershey High School’s Spanish Honor Society advisor, Megan MacNicol, each bracelet was sold for five dollars, with all proceeds directly supporting artisans from Central America.
Since 2017, HHS has partnered with the Pulsera Project to promote international service and economic aid. This collaboration with the organization allows students to learn about fair trade and the socioeconomic realities of Latin America.
When asked about her thoughts on the project, Zeynep Ozdogan, a Spanish Honor Society volunteer, said, “I know the Pulsera project is an important opportunity for Central American artists to earn a safe living; this way, they do not have to resort to unsafe working conditions.”
Founded in 2009, the Pulsera Project has reached more than 4,000 schools across all 50 states.
The organization’s website states, “We buy handwoven ‘pulseras’ from around 200 artisans in Central America, employing them with well-paying Fair Trade jobs, and providing a market for their products in the U.S.”
“The project also fosters cultural awareness in schools all around the U.S.,” said Ozdogan.
Sales have a significant impact on funding for scholarships, community development, housing, healthcare, and fair-trade employment in Central America.
