Artisans and Craftspeople

Jorova Crafts, Kenya

Founded by Josephine, Rosemary and EVA, who lived in Dandora, a slum in the Eastand�s of Nairovi, the capital city of Kenya.

The aim of forming the group was to empower the local women/ housewives who entirely depended on the husbands for everything. Initially they met one day of the week to do cleaning of homes and offices and were paid for their services. Eventually they purchased a sewing machine and started embroidery work with it.

Today Jorova is made up of seven groups from slums and rural areas. 10% of monies received is retained as operational costs of the organisation and also for offering soft loans to the members.

Ana Art Group, New Delhi, India

Started working in 1995 and consists of a community of 25 families of men, women, widows and handicapped. All these families have their work place in their houses.

Each family works on the different aspects of the making of the jewelry. One family specialises in bone, others in wood, horn and glass. The men in the family finish the raw material and give shape to the beads and pendants. The women then assembles the products into necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Ana Art Group keeps 15% of the earnings of each order as a reserve for medical treatment and other requirements of their group. The group�s goal is to have continuous jobs for the members which means more prosperity for them.

Comparte, Santiago, Chile

Their mission is to improve the lives of economically struggling workshops and artisan groups throughout Chile by promoting and exporting the handicrafts they design and create, as well as working with the artists to improve their business practices and continually develop new products that stay true to their traditions.

We carry jewellery handcrafted by several of their artisans. On the upper left is Jessica, who was a medical student before she began to create jewelry with her partner Carlos in 2000. They employ 10 others to help create the jewellery.

Maritza Quintero

Maritza Quintero is another artisan. She was a student for 5 years before she started to create her glass pieces in 2000.

Maritza Quintero

Patricia and her husband George along with 2 older children have been creating jewellery since 2003.

Third World Craft, Nepal

Their mission is to provide ongoing support and service for small scale, home based artisans and producers and for their products to access to the global market by using digital technologies, internet and market research.

They practise a code of conduct of Fair Trading, and has concerns for fair wages and prompts payments to producers. Their business is based on a practise of business ethics, performing a high level of professionalism in trading and are concerned for the well being of the society, producers and environment.

They also provide Micro-loans to artisans without collateral so that they can purchase necessary raw materials and equipment.

Asha Handcrafts, India

Asha Handicrafts have been practicing Fair Trade since 1975, even before the concepts of Fair Trade became popular abroad. Asha in Sanskrit means 'hope' and Asha have brought hope by providing a marketing outlet to the individual craftsmen.

Based in Mumbai, India, Asha is an association of voluntary businessmen dedicated to helping craftsmen, financially, ecologically and spiritually though its welfare centre and interrelated programs. The team of Asha welfare workers are stationed at different producer groups and cooperatives and move closely with them and their family sharing skills, extending medical help and education. Technical training is also provided to increase efficiency and productivity to encourage the growth and development of cottage industries.

Silversmiths at Asha Handicrafts, India

Aspiration International, India

Aspiration are based in Delhi, India and are a fairly small Fair Trading organisation in comparison to others in India. Aspriation believe in sincere work for the welfare of artisans and families which are located all over India including Jaipur and Sarangapur by promoting and developing cottage industries, improving economic and social welfare and proving fair wages.

Aspiration organise groups of semi skilled and skilled artisans and help bring them up from poverty to being able to stand on their own. Some groups have even become self-independent artisans in their own community.

Specialist wood work from Aspiration International, India

Specialist wood work artisan from

Aspiration, India

TARA Projects, India

TARA Projects (Trade Alternative Reform Action) were founded in 1973 to help poorly organised and struggling artisans in Delhi, find markets for their goods. By creating opportunities for these home-based craftsmen market and sell their goods, TARA projects helps to generate steady work and income. Based on the early success of this program, they have been able to expand to a 120-mile area surrounding Delhi.

TARA projects fund non-formal and vocational schools as well as literacy centres for adults and constantly campaigning and educating people about fair trade. Their goal is to end injustice and manipulation in the world mass trade system.

Skilled beadwork in progress at TARA Projects, India

Skilled beadwork in process at Tara, India

Madhya Kalikata Shilpangan, India

MKS work by the following motto: to promote quality products, provide good working conditions for artisans, encourage environment friendly technology and develop community based production. MKS rejuvenate the dying Indian handicrafts to helping artisans develop their skills through training workshops, educational and medical facilities, financial aid for new equipment and long term interest free loans. In addition they have introduced dust free equipment in their stone production unit to provide a more environmentally friendly working atmosphere.

Man making leather accessories at MKS, India

Registered Company: 481118

Samson Fair Trade Ltd trading as Fair Eire

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