Rural poverty and terrorism in Peru forces many people to migrate to Lima in search of work and a better life. However with 70% of the population either unemployed or underemployed, many migrants end up living in poor conditions without water or electricity, and with poor prospects of obtaining a job. Julia Castle and Ruth Pacheco established Achkiy in the light of these social and political problems, to provide employment for women living in the sprawling shantytowns that surround the city.

Initially making simple jewellery Achkiy has grown over the last 12 years to employ around 20 women, who make intricate silver jewellery, recycled paper for cards and notebooks and more recently aluminium Christmas decorations.