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hats off to Tilley

When I learned about Street Kids International, I was inspired by the way they help street kids around the world earn income in healthy and effective ways. Hilary and I flew to Equador to see the work of Street Kids International in action.

While there, we met some of the organization’s long term partners, Walker Vizcarra and Elvira Martinez of CECAFEC, the Ecuadorian Centre for Capacity Building and Training of Street Educators.  These people are examples of the tireless, dedicated individuals who work with Street Kids International in over 60 countries.  CECAFEC and Street Kids International together support teachers and youth workers through practical trainings for use with street kids. 

One of these training initiatives, the Street Business Toolkit, guides young people to develop their own start-up businesses.  We visited several successful graduates of this business program in both Quito and Esmeraldas.  One young man we met wraps steamed corn husks around a maize mixture that he makes in his family’s woodstove; he then has someone whisk them off to sell while they are still hot.  The resourcefulness and business smarts of these young people, demonstrate the commonalities that we entrepreneurs have – no matter where we’re from.

Street Kids International equips kids with the tools to assist them in achieving the independence to thrive and to succeed or fail on their own initiative.  This is a dignity that a simple handout cannot provide.  Quite simply, this organization needs our help to continue this important work.  Here at Tilley Endurables, we are donating a portion earned from each Hemp Hat sold to Street Kids International to support them in furthering their work. 

Please join us and Street Kids International in giving street kids everywhere a chance.

Alex Tilley