Avelina P.

 

Working to get her husband out of prison!

For many years, Avelina worked as a sewer for export companies and found it difficult being away from her home and three children.

In the spring of 2009, Avelina’s husband was sent to prison for an illegal logging charge. Because her husband, a jeepeny driver (similar to a transit bus driver), was desperate to make money, he accepted a job delivering lumber. During an unexpected check point, the police discovered the lumber was illegal and Avelina’s husband was sent to prison.  The true owners appealed to the police officers claiming that they had just forgotten their transport documents, and took the lumber after an under-the-table bribe. However, Avelina’s husband was left in prison with a four year conviction, and a 50,000 peso (approximately $1250 CDN) fine.

How she got started in this livelihood project:

Prior to her husband’s arrest, she met a sewer for Ginapadala International in a fabric store. They began to talk and Avelina began sewing for her. Avelina prays that she will be able to earn enough to provide a better place to live; one with electricity and water. She also hopes to get her children into university, and her husband out of prison.