In watching this video, you will not only witness the artistry and craftsmanship behind Ayu dolls but also gain a deeper appreciation for the community's culture, traditions, and the transformative power of their work.



The Q’ewar Project is a social work initiative that began in early 2002 and is located in the rural highlands of the Andes Mountains in Peru. The project was founded by Julio (speaking in the video ) and Lucy who settled in the small town of Andahuaylillas, outside Cuzco, Peru. The town's small size allowed them to form strong bonds with the rural community, which led to the creation of this social project.

The project provides open, bright, and comfortable workshops where women and men can engage in productive and artistic work. The project aims to foster self-esteem, personal growth, and economic independence through learning life skills in a community setting. The women and men who work in the workshops create handcrafted dolls, doll clothing, and other articles using all-natural materials.

It’s not just a place for productive work; it is also a community that cares for its own. The school, Wawa Munakuy (“giving love to the children” in the Quechua language), cares for the youngest preschoolers of the working women and conducts classes for primary school age children. The project recognizes that education is an essential part of breaking the cycle of poverty and works to provide it to those who need it the most.

The Q’ewar Project is not just about creating beautiful handmade products; it is about social justice and equality. The project aims to bring balance to the social injustices that exist in their community and beyond. The economic gains generated by the project go towards paying the daily wages of the women, making the health of the women and children a priority, and installing bathrooms and drainage systems in the houses of the families. The women will learn to use the community monetary fund responsibly, autonomously, and in freedom.

In conclusion, the Q’ewar Project is a social initiative that seeks to create a community that fosters personal growth, economic independence, and a way to gain life skills through productive and artistic work. The project also recognizes the importance of preserving the traditional culture and crafts of the Andean people. Through education, social justice, and economic gains, the Q’ewar Project aims to bring balance to the social injustices that exist in their community and beyond.