Rwanda
In the 100-day genocide of 1994, approximately 800,000 to 1,000,000 people were killed. An estimated 250,000 Rwandan women experienced multiple episodes of brutal rape, torture and violence. During this brutality many of the women were infected with HIV.
The artisan groups that we work with in Rwanda are dedicated to supporting women and children who were effected by this violence. One of the core goals is to create a market for the artisans' products so that they can become economically independent. However, these groups provide so much more...
Health Care
Our yoga and heart bags are made by a group whose primary mission is to increase women's and children's access to primary health care and treatment. The sewing project empowers women to earn enough money to gain access to high quality clinical care, psycho-social support, poverty-mitigation, capacity-building and self-advocacy, all of which are key elements in achieving the highest possible attainment of physical and mental health for HIV-infected/affected women and their families.
Reconciliation
Fostering peace and reconciliation across different ethnic groups is a central aim of the group that makes many of the products that we carry in our wax print lines. Within this group Hutu and Tutsi women work together side by side. These women are brought together through their faith in God, who provides a higher peace. The project allows the women to care for their families, improve their sewing and marketing skills, grow as a community, and forgive the events of the Rwandan genocide.
Kenya
The Kibera slum in Nairobi is one of the largest slums in the world. The people who reside in the slums live in extreme poverty. The majority lack access to clean water, toilet facilities, and electricity.
Our pounded aluminum and brass earrings provide a source of income for many men and women that reside in the Kibera slums. Through this work the group has been able to move their facilities from the central and most dangerous region of the slums to a much safer place on the outskirts of the slums. The working conditions for the artisans have been significantly improved and they continue to grow and develop.
South Africa
Africans used the beads as currency, as a store of wealth, to beautify themselves, and as a
sign of social status. Trade beads are hundreds of years old. They have been gathered from
all across africa to create unique beautiful pieces of jewelry. Beads can be made of powdered glass, stone, bone, metal, shell, coral, pearl, wood, ceramic fiber, paper and many other natural resources.
African trade beads not only allow artisans to share with us part of their culture, but also to have a source of income to support their families. A favorite quote of our is one from Girly Mocheko, African Artisan - mother of three children. "The future is bright and I have a reason to get up in the morning. I'm truly blessed."
Colombia
Colombia is no stranger to the violence, fear, and uncertainty created by the drug traffic industry. The support and purchase of fair trade items provides a safe and honorable working environment, free from the corruption and influence of drug lords. It keeps children off the streets where they previously had been forced to go beg for food, making them easy targets for drug traffic gangs.
Our yarn ornaments, picture frames and head bands come from a group that employs single mothers in a rural town where the work opportunities are limited. The employment gives these women the ability to care for their children and serve as role models for the next generation.
