Just before a famous Chilean journalist announced the name of the winner through the loudspeakers of Santiago’s Stock Exchange, Elizabeth Galdames squeezed the hand of her 11-year-old son and begun remembering.

She remembered arriving at the World Vision project in the city of Temuco 10 years ago, to register one-year-old Juan José for sponsorship.  She brought a basket full of fresh-baked bread, which she sold that very morning.  As the days went by, all those working in the project became her customers.  Elizabeth’s small enterprise had begun. 

As she walked toward the stage to receive her prize, Elizabeth didn’t think about the lights and cameras.  She remembered the little old kitchen stove where she used to bake bread.  She recalled the unique flavour she gave the bread, by adding some rice flour. 

She thought of nights without sleep, trying to meet the growing demand for her product.  She remembered learning to use basic computer and accounting skills through World Vision workshops.

Family impact 
On the stage, Juan José never let go of Elizabeth’s hand.  It wasn’t unusual for the two to be so closely attached.  He constantly helped with the household work, even while studying hard to get good marks.

Elizabeth also thought of Anabel, her eldest daughter, now 23 and studying accounting at the local university.  Anabel had a World Vision scholarship to pay her bus fare and other small expenses.  Elizabeth’s second daughter, 18-year-old Angela, is deaf and mute but finishing high school.

Unexpected recognition
With her prize in hand, Elizabeth remembered applying to win this international micro entrepreneurial award.   She recalls crying upon learning of her win in the “Family Impact” category, and her absolute astonishment that judges had placed her first out of all 12 category winners.  First in all of Chile.

With the prize came almost $3,400 in cash.  This made Elizabeth’s dream of a new oven — something that would give her a big leap forward — possible. 

Two years later, the changes in Elizabeth’s life are evident.  She has her new oven and her business keeps growing.  She now organizes receptions and hires other people in the community.  She has moved to a bigger house and her children keep studying and living with her.

Elizabeth feels there’s even further to go.  Thanks to World Vision, she is taking a course in food manipulation to further enhance the quality of her work.  Her dream is to set up a shop in downtown Temuco where she can sell take-home prepared food.

“Sometimes I feel tired but I look back and I see everything I have accomplished with so much work.  I wish to thank all the people that have believed in me,” says Elizabeth.