There are dozens of cooperatives that we are supporting through buying their product.  Below please find information on just a few of them.



















 
ORANGE PEEL ART

Talented Colombians and Bolivians turn orange peels, ordinarily a waste product, into artistic creations. What started out as a hobby has expanded a business, and has engaged many other members of the community. These women help supply orange peels and produce these Christmas decorations and boxes. They're earning a fair wage to help their families, and the money is often spent on the education of their children
MUD CLOTH ANIMALS

Made by a women's association called "Sininyesigi" or "Plan the Future", this group was started in 1995 by several women who live in Segou, a town about a half day's drive from Mali's capital, Bamako. The traditional cloth of Mali is called bogolan or bògòlanfini, known here as mud cloth. Traditionally men weave the cotton and women create the designs, although the roles have become interchangeable today. It starts out as hand spun cotton, made on site. Then an elaborate process of dying with the mud and bark takes place. The dying, pattern cutting, sewing and stuffing with cotton of these elephants and giraffes is done by the women.
CLOTHING AND TOTEBAGS

Global Mamas is a cooperative of individually-owned businesses working together to penetrate larger markets while maintaining their independence. Women are provided a "living wage" - over 10 times Ghana’s minimum wage. Members are paid upfront for completed products and receive financial assistance through a raw materials revolving loan fund. This leaves more proceeds to fill the pockets of the women producers which promotes their social equality and gives them the much needed economic security and stability.

SEED BEAD JEWELRY

In the mid 1990s, Joyeria Semilla, Spanish for "seed jewelry," began its small fair trade workshop to provide much needed jobs and services to Colombian youth. Located in the Andean town of Villa de Leyva, 7,200 feet above sea level, Joyeria Semilla serves young people ages 9-25 who are at high risk of delinquency. Youths are given the opportunity to study a craft and earn an income. After learning to use the tools of the trade and understanding the basics of jewelry-making, these young artisans create pieces made from seeds and small pieces of bamboo found locally. The project serves  underprivileged youth who struggle with alcoholism, prostitution, begging and thievery - the all too familiar products of communities with limited education or employment prospects.

ELEPHANT GRASS BASKETS

Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to emerge from colonial rule in 1957.  Today Ghana is known for its rich culture and diverse landscapes, including the savannah grasslands where the weavers get the materials for these baskets.  The heavy elephant grass used in these baskets is tightly woven making each basket strong yet flexible.

CARVED WOOD

Asha, which means "hope" in Sanskrit, was started in 1975 by a group of Christian businessmen. ASHA Handicrafts re-structured in 1985 and today is successfully marketing handcrafts for 50 family workshops and individual artisans irrespective of creed, representing 1500 artisans. ASHA welfare workers work closely with the families of the artisans, extending medical care and educational assistance by providing yearly scholarships to children attending primary school, supplying them with school fees, uniforms, and books. Other benefits include interest-free loans, advances to purchase raw materials, and pure drinking water.

(photo and text courtesy A Greater Gift)