Artisans Effort
Artisans Effort was founded in Kolkata, West Bengal, India in October 2003. The founding members were a group of artisans, all specialising in their own fields eg embroidery, leather work, jewellery, paper products etc. They came together as they had heard about fair trade.
They heard that with fair trade you are treated with respect, that a fair price is paid and that a good relationship is built between the producer and the seller. All these artisans had been previously treated badly. They had problems being paid, there was irregularity of work and above all they were rudely treated.
Slowly this group started to know more about fair trade and attended the Fair Trade Forum in India.
Today there are more than 150 families involved with Artisans Effort. 60% are women and 40% are men. Since Artisans Effort is an artisan based organisation the artisans needs and difficulties are very closely understood.
At present, Artisans Effort has taken the responsibility of 9 poor and needy children from Asansol (West Bengal ) and 5 very needy girls from our local in Howrah. Their books, uniforms and school fees are borne by this organisation.
With funds from running their fair trade business Artisans Effort has built a school for 300 children. They also provide scholarships for children who cannot afford to pay fees.
They heard that with fair trade you are treated with respect, that a fair price is paid and that a good relationship is built between the producer and the seller. All these artisans had been previously treated badly. They had problems being paid, there was irregularity of work and above all they were rudely treated.
Slowly this group started to know more about fair trade and attended the Fair Trade Forum in India.
Today there are more than 150 families involved with Artisans Effort. 60% are women and 40% are men. Since Artisans Effort is an artisan based organisation the artisans needs and difficulties are very closely understood.
At present, Artisans Effort has taken the responsibility of 9 poor and needy children from Asansol (West Bengal ) and 5 very needy girls from our local in Howrah. Their books, uniforms and school fees are borne by this organisation.
With funds from running their fair trade business Artisans Effort has built a school for 300 children. They also provide scholarships for children who cannot afford to pay fees.