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Saudade do Parajuru – improving the social and economic situation of women in Parajuru. A cooperative project of the Lyoness Child & Family Foundation and the Fensterplatz association Project Description The province Ceara in the northeast of Brazil is especially marked by poverty and a high unemploy-ment rate. In the fishing village Parajuru (6,000 inhabitants) the unemployment rate is at 80 per cent, especially women have almost no chance of finding work. Because of this project these women shall now get the chance to receive vocational training (courses in sewing and tailoring, handcraft courses). The project was started in 2007 by Juliane Cichy and the Festerplatz association. It includes vocational and further training in sewing and tailoring as a basis for a future occupation. Major attention will be paid to sustainably using and re-utilising regional materials (e.g. sails, kites, transport bags). The tailored products (e.g. bags, beachwear, souvenirs) will be sold in the project shop on site. Also individual pieces can be made upon request. The profits of the products sold will support the women’s self-employment. Thus, also their families can be supported.     Project Goals High-quality vocational training in sewing and tailoring for young unemployed women in Parajuru and the surrounding area. Providing the basis for starting self-employment and thereby support whole families. Concrete Implementation Phase of project preparation During the first six months of the project time the focus lies on preparing and developing courses for the target group on site. Further focus lies on acquiring course participants and on organisation and preparation work for the courses (e.g. acquiring materials and tools) as well as on installing successful marketing including product development and pricing. In addition, a legal identity of the project shall be created. Phase of project implementation During the project’s second phase concrete courses shall be implemented together with the beneficiaries. Creative input for designing and developing new products shall be given because of the Fensterplatz association’s know-how. Women shall learn textile processing and to acquire the ability of designing and developing new products independently. By successful sale (also includes pricing, calculation, marketing, accounting, acceptance of orders) they shall establish an economically and independently run enterprise. The things learned in the courses shall provide a basis to the women on which they can vocationally gain ground. Project Title Saudade do Parajuru – improving the social and economic situation of women in Parajuru Project Location Parajuru, Brazil Project Period May 2012 – May 2013 Project Goal Young women without employment in Parajuru (Brazil) and the surrounding area Project Partner Fensterplatz – initiative for persons seeking employment