Maria P.

Maria P. was born on 10 June 1967 in the highland town of Cajamarca. As a girl, she had a tough childhood was forced to work from age 5, as her father didn't believe in women's education. She didn't attend primary or secondary school, therefore she never learned to read or write. From age 7, she began to knit and embroider, and throughout her life when she had no money she would buy old sweaters, undo them, and re-knit them to sell and earn money. At age 14, she moved to Trujillo where she worked as a caretaker and cook. At 25 years old, she had her first son, and 7 years later had a daughter. Since 2020, she made the decision to go back to primary school in the evenings, and graduated, at age 53. She is now in secondary school and is determined to graduate with her high school degree. Maria's perseverance and positive outlook despite an incredibly hard life is inspiring and admirable.

Maria joined Chimuk in 2024. She loves being a part of Chimuk because it is a "relaxation" for her to knit, to be with the other women, and to receive monthly salary. She takes 3 different buses in order to get to the Chimuk workshop (which meets 2x per week!) Her message to the client is that she hopes you enjoy your hat, please take a picture and send it our way so she can see who is enjoying her work!