   Using capiz shells collected by fishermen off the island of Panay in the Philippines, Berna Rivera creates beautiful holiday oraments and decorations at the Saffy Handicrafts workshop in Manila. An artist, Berna adds the finishing touches to capiz ornaments and decorations. As a single woman and an orphan since the age of 21, Berna's work with Saffy gives her much more than she ever imagined: a livelihood with dignity, continuous improvement of her craft and a second family. Each time Saffy receives an order for the "Bird of Peace" ornament, Berna says, "It's exciting to know that people are satisfied with a product I make. This prompts me to value my work even more." Berna receives vocational training and financial assistance as well as the opportunity to attend educational meetings because of her work with Saffy Handicrafts. Through the traditional Filipino craft of capiz art, converted to vital, fair income, Berna connects with her past and creates tangible hope for her future.
|