Mission
Mission
Embedded Files
To empower under-resourced and at-risk young women through intensive job-and-life-skill training for them to be employable or establish their own business if they are so inclined.
To empower under-resourced and at-risk young women through intensive job-and-life-skill training for them to be employable or establish their own business if they are so inclined.
Vision
Vision
We envision our beneficiaries and other stakeholders - especially those directly involved in the daily life - of Fundación GARROBO as AGENTS in the POSITIVE TRANSFORMATION of families, communities, and society as a whole.
We envision our beneficiaries and other stakeholders - especially those directly involved in the daily life - of Fundación GARROBO as AGENTS in the POSITIVE TRANSFORMATION of families, communities, and society as a whole.
Our History
Our History
In 1999, while living in India, Jiji (FUNDAGARROBO co-founder) and Iongsin (Jiji's Korean-Swiss friend) wanted to raise funds for schools in disadvantaged communities on the outskirts of New Delhi. After seeking sponsors, a manufacturer agreed to produce fashionable children's clothing for the cause from its leftover fabrics for less than the export price.
In 1999, while living in India, Jiji (FUNDAGARROBO co-founder) and Iongsin (Jiji's Korean-Swiss friend) wanted to raise funds for schools in disadvantaged communities on the outskirts of New Delhi. After seeking sponsors, a manufacturer agreed to produce fashionable children's clothing for the cause from its leftover fabrics for less than the export price.
We named the collection "Sitara", a Hindi word meaning star, and sold the first collection to the international community of New Delhi. The Sitara children's clothes sold like hotcakes!!!....and the fun began!
We named the collection "Sitara", a Hindi word meaning star, and sold the first collection to the international community of New Delhi. The Sitara children's clothes sold like hotcakes!!!....and the fun began!
Sitara is also the name of a girl who worked as a merchandiser with the producer who supplied us with the clothes. She lived with her family in a community near the factory that produced our collection. Sitara started as a helper to everything, cleaning and serving tea. She had little education, but she continued to study after work. Within a few years, she became a trusted employee; she rose to the challenge and became the company's star marketer, responsible for some of its large European buyers.
Sitara is also the name of a girl who worked as a merchandiser with the producer who supplied us with the clothes. She lived with her family in a community near the factory that produced our collection. Sitara started as a helper to everything, cleaning and serving tea. She had little education, but she continued to study after work. Within a few years, she became a trusted employee; she rose to the challenge and became the company's star marketer, responsible for some of its large European buyers.
It was then that the idea was conceived to design a training program for disadvantaged young women to create jobs and raise funds by adding value to surplus fabrics or leftovers from mass production. But the concept traveled quite a bit: from India to Spain to Cambodia.
It was then that the idea was conceived to design a training program for disadvantaged young women to create jobs and raise funds by adding value to surplus fabrics or leftovers from mass production. But the concept traveled quite a bit: from India to Spain to Cambodia.
And after eleven years, the Garrobo project was born in 2010! Unexpectedly. In El Salvador!
And after eleven years, the Garrobo project was born in 2010! Unexpectedly. In El Salvador!
Two years later, the pilot project was officially launched. On March 11, 2016, the Garrobo project was officially gazetted as a registered non-profit organization in El Salvador as Fundación Garrobo de El Salvador.
Two years later, the pilot project was officially launched. On March 11, 2016, the Garrobo project was officially gazetted as a registered non-profit organization in El Salvador as Fundación Garrobo de El Salvador.
Sitara's story was -and will continue to be the inspiration for the Garrobo project.
Sitara's story was -and will continue to be the inspiration for the Garrobo project.
We have our own fully-equipped workshop in a safe environment
We have our own fully-equipped workshop in a safe environment
El Salvador is a challenging environment, especially for disadvantaged young women. For us, safety is essential. We ensure our “garrobitas” can focus on learning without fear.
The Garrobo Project’s training program is based on the Swiss apprenticeship model: 80% practical, hands-on experience to develop technical skills, and 20% theory. We also support their studies, helping them improve reading, writing, comprehension, math, and practical life skills through motivational talks, team-building, and business experience in our social enterprises.
By the end of training, they gain technical competence in areas like fashion, beauty, or food business. They’re empowered to pursue employment, start their own businesses, or both—whichever path they choose!
Education is Top Priority
Education is Top Priority
We strive to help the Garrobitas continue their education by assisting them with homework and prepping for exams to graduate high school.
Free Intensive Courses for Beneficiaries with Insaforp Accredited Facilitators
Free Intensive Courses for Beneficiaries with Insaforp Accredited Facilitators
For ages 14 - 17: Two years of on-the-job technical training, course theory, and workshops to develop life skills facilitated by qualified teachers and facilitators.
For ages 18 and over: A three-month technical training in industrial clothing to give them the skills and competence to work as machine operators for clothing producers.
We Generate Income Through:
We Generate Income Through:
We offer manufacturing services for local and international wholesalers, retailers, gyms, and boutiques, with low minimum order quantities. Choose from our style collection and fabric inventory, or bring your own materials.
Garrobostyle Brand: Gym and yoga wear in basic styles and limited-edition sublimated designs, featuring export-quality, quick-dry, sweat- and odor-resistant fabrics.
Custom Orders: Made-to-order garments of any kind, plus garment repairs and adjustments while you wait.
Sewing Classes: Private classes in sewing machine operations for individuals or groups.
Product Development: Designers and students are welcome to develop and produce their projects with us.
Personalization: We personalize items for individuals, sports teams, and special occasions. Send us your designs, or we can design and produce them for you.
How Can I Help?
How Can I Help?
- BUY GARROBOSTYLE PRODUCTS. For yourself or as a gift to your loved ones on any occasion: birthdays, Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's and Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas or any special day. 100% of our sales proceeds finance the beneficiaries' daily allowances and program training expenses.
- DONATE financially or in-kind. We accept fabrics, trims and accessories, sewing tools and equipment, craft supplies, cleaning supplies, masks, school, art and office supplies, healthy books for children (up to 6 years old) and teens.
- SPONSOR A GARROBITA. Any amount helps. The training and materials are free and the garrobitas receive a daily allowance for transport and other training necessities.
- VOLUNTEER. Share your time, knowledge, experience, and talent to teach the garrobitas. It can be teaching handicrafts or a talk on any subject that would help in the growth and widening of their horizons.
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