International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Letter from Fair Trade Australia and New Zealand

Dear Fairtrade Supporter
Truth be told, we're pretty fortunate. We know that $2 is less than most of us spend on a cup of coffee, yet that's what more than 2 billion people around the world must survive on every day.As Fairtrade supporters, we're also in a great position to be able to make our little daily purchases really count for something. Every time we choose Fairtrade, we're choosing to actively reduce poverty by investing in some of the world's most vulnerable communities. So to commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, we're asking supporters to pledge to spend $2 a day on their favourite Fairtrade products for two weeks. Will you take the pledge?

It could be your daily coffee or tea, a chocolate treat, or perhaps a gift for a friend (did you know there are now Fairtrade t-shirts and sports balls)? It's such an easy, effective and often delicious way to make a difference in your everyday life. Buying Fairtrade means farmers and workers in developing countries actually receive a fair price for their crops and produce. Fairtrade also supports them to directly invest in their business and communities through additional funds, which means they can build the things we take for granted every day - schools, roads and hospitals. Last year alone, AU$25 million worth of Fairtrade coffee sales in Australia and New Zealand helped provide farmers with over $2 million in additional funds to spend on their businesses and their communities. Who says coffee can't change the world? Make your $2 work for a better world. Pledge now!
Thanks for being part of this,
The Fairtrade Team

To Travel to Savar

To Travel To Savar

Written 2/4/2006 During a trip to YWCA

To travel to Savar, about 30 kms from Dhaka the capital of Bangladesh is an interesting journey. Travelling anywhere in Bangladesh is an experience. There is utter chaos on the roads- cars, buses, rickshaws and the two seater open taxis all weaving in and around each other. There is the occasional policeman who puts his hand up, but no one takes any notice of him anyway. There is the occasional stop sign, but that is ignored too! The biggest vehicle seems to rule on the road. Car horns are constantly tooted and that seems to be the road rules. The rickshaw drivers have to stop immediately as the cars weave in and around them. But the Bengali people take it all in their stride- such is a day in Dhaka. To me I gave a sigh of relief whenever we reached our destination.

Leaving the noise and dust and pollution of Dhaka and driving out to the quietness of village life almost seems a relief. However the roads remain chaotic for the journey. It was with great excitement that one day we were taken by the YWCA staff to see the new village craft centre at Savar, about 30 kms from where we were staying in Dhaka. I had known of the YWCA dream for about three years to finance this new Craft Centre . It is now a partial reality. The Centre was opened November, 2005.

The dream evolved due to the concern of the YWCA staff that many of the producers from this village travelled into the YWCA Craft Centre in Dhaka by bus daily. This was a two hour journey each way. The dream was not to only create a local craft centre for these producers, but an all encompassing and forward thinking dream. At this centre there will also be built an aged peoples home ( something that is almost unheard of in Bangladesh ), so there will always be a home for YWCA staff and producers who do not have family. But the older people had better not think that they will have time to be idle because that is not the plan. A nursery and childrens centre is also going to be built for the producers children. The plan is that the older ladies will care for these children. And there is the fish pond/ dam where they will be able to catch their dinner. I suppose in time there will also be the vegetable gardens to tend.

It was expressed to us by Sabita, the General Secretary of the YWCA Bangladesh of their concern for an ambulance to transport sick people to Dhaka for treatment if necessary. We have taken this need to heart and are now fundraising for this other dream to become a reality.

When our vehicle arrived at the centre, it also meant a five minute walk down the village path to reach the entrance of the Craft Centre. Four impressive rooms have been built. One small one at the entrance , two craft sewing rooms and a health room. Every Tuesday the producers are visited by a health nurse. If needed all medication is provided free. There was recently an eye testing clinic. Six producers needed eye operations. Again all hospital expenses were paid by the YWCA. Next month the women are having gynaecological checkups.

When we visited it was very quiet as it was lunchtime. Most of the producers had gone back to their homes in the village to eat. Bengali people value their food so much that eating together is a very big occasion in their day.

The craft rooms at the centre looked so tidy and clean. The new treadle sewing machines took pride of place. Here the ladies can sit on platforms at tables to do their hand sewing. Different to the centre in Dhaka where the ladies sit on mats on the floor. There was a lot of activity going on – trucks were coming and going in preparation for the buildings yet to eventuate. But there was a feeling of tranquility here. There was a feeling of hope. This centre I feel is such a wonderful happening and has started to help and will continue to help so many women.

As mentioned in my last letter I want to share with you the story of one of the producers at the YWCA. Every producers story is special but for now I will be sharing with you about one producer. Her name is Mary Burmon .Her photo is attached ( the lady on the right )

Mary is deaf and she cannot speak. She was born into a very poor village family. Due to her physical disabilities and lack of education there were no opportunities for her to earn an income ( outside of begging and breaking bricks ) Mary has now been living at the YWCA hostel and working at the Craft Centre for 23 years . As well as the loving emotional support from the YWCA staff, Mary is able to earn an income . This income is sufficient to also support her widowed mother and two younger brothers. Her life now has hope and a purpose.

Behind every craft item there is a story. Just like Marys. When we are selling our craft items we are not only selling a wonderful unique handmade item , we are changing lives , we are giving dignity and hope to so many people. How better can it get!

Add comment August 19, 2009 sihamcraftlink

News from Shohojogita, Bangladesh Fair Trade Group

Just have to Share

This week I received from John at Shohojogita, a Bangladesh Fair Trade organization, some beautiful photos. John had travelled to a village where the ladies hand weave the most wonderful jute items. I am copying Johns words as to what he saw as he entered the village.

“I was totally surprised to see the teaching method and interest for primary education. You see the pictures…….A beautiful young married lady is teaching Ten plus innocent babies sitting on the narrow road and open sky. There is a river and the waters are flowing fastenly.”

When John visited Nomita and the ladies she trains to make the jute items, these further words were shared.

One lady said Nomita has no Umbrella……sometimes she comes to us in heavy rains and heavy sunshine. I answered the lady………today I will give an umbrella to Nomita as gifted “