How does SERRV benefit artisans and farmers? This is a question that we hear often and answering it is a core part of making sure we are effectively fulfilling our mission. To assess our impact, we rely on regular communication from our partners. We systematize information that we gather from them on sales, quality of life, and the results of measurable goals outlined in our long-term agreements with our partners. Our visits to our partners are another way we are able to gather information to evaluate our work. All of this information helps us assess the impact of our work and guide us in our strategic planning.

Rwandan Women Benefit from SERRV Purchases
Day-to-day work at SERRV has a tremendous impact on artisans and farmers. Dancille Mujawamariya who works with our partner Jyambere Mutegarugori, a basket-making group in rural Rwanda, says, “When I consider the situation of the women in Rwanda before your intervention, it was a total misery, but nowadays, they are happy, able to buy clothes, to pay school fees and some widows rehabilitated their houses because of the money they receive from SERRV.”  SERRV’s work and your purchases make a difference.

Visiting Peruvian Knitters Lives’ Changed
We were pleased to welcome artisans Ayde Riveros and Evangelina Pizarro from our partner Bridge of Hope Fair Trade Project in Peru who were on a 3-week tour of the U.S. Ayde Riveros is a member the El Mercurio cooperative of knitters which makes our finger puppets. In order to provide for their three children, Ayde knitted and her husband worked as a day laborer in construction.  The knitting never paid enough until Ayde and other women in her community joined together to form a fair trade group. Ayde told us, “Thanks to the knitting work, I now have a small house with a door, windows, and that is furnished on the inside."