Pampa
Project
PAMPATOYS
HISTORY
The
Perito Moreno Waldorf School, of which our project is a part, is
known for its strong social impulse. Over 20 years, a group of enthusiastic
parents and teachers has been working together on the construction
of the school, which does not receive any kind of subsidy.
This educational initiative has to be seen against the backdrop
of Argentina's social and economic context, particularly since the
severe economic crisis at the beginning of the century. The crisis
resulted in high unemployment and the need to work longer hours
to earn a reasonable salary.
All these
factors have especially affected the female sector of the working
population. This is where Pampatoys comes in. The Pampatoys project
was conceived as a response to the anxieties and frustrations arising
from the prevailing social and economic circumstances. It has created
an environment where a group of women come together to make and sell
dolls to Waldorf schools and related businesses.
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RESULTS
Each
participant in Pampatoys is committed to producing a high quality
product. Our achievements to date, show that the
effort has been very worthwhile.
- a group of women has created a non-profit organization where they
can work together in a harmonious atmosphere
- Pampatoys has set up a training centre open to the community where
women are taught to make toys and dolls' clothes, as well as the
basics of sewing and knitting.
- Every year, Pampatoys hands over its profits to the Perito Moreno
School. With this revenue, the school pays for the new construction
and extension work that needs to be done.
- An excellent group of people has been formed which gets together
twice a week to work in a congenial atmosphere and enjoys being
part of this worthwhile project.
This spirit manifests most clearly in our annual "Pampatoys party"
when the achievements of the past year are celebrated. It takes
place in the school's kindergarten. There, posters are displayed
showing all the information on sales, the number of dolls that were
made, new clients, new participants, etc. Everybody is invited,
not only those who worked hard during the year, but also parents
who have helped us out with the delivery of an order, those who
have helped with translations, teachers who have accompanied and
encouraged us and all those who in one way or another have made
our task a bit easier. On this occasion, each participant in the
Pampatoy initiative celebrates, because each one has contributed
his/her share to meeting Pampatoys' goals. During the party there
is an opportunity for each person to share his/her memories and
views, and this exchange weaves a rich and heartfelt tapestry of
shared experience.
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CLIENTS REACTIONS
" As the manager of the Seven Sisters Store for the past
three years, I purchased many items from Pampa Toys since I first
learned of them eighteen months ago. In attempting to integrate
the values and message that our merchandise represents to the parents
and the general community with the values of the suppliers we use,
I couldn't have made a better choice than to support the Pampa Toys
initiative. They are a home-grown business that supports a Waldorf
school community, and their products support our mission. They have
been helpful and amenable to our needs, and I am pleased by the
quality of their products. The (several) other store managers I
have connected with their merchandise have also been pleased, and
I think you will be too." - John White, Hartsbrook School, Hadley,
Massachusetts
