Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Abby Valdes visits Siham Craftlink
Abby Valdes, Australian plus sized supermodel recently took time out of her very busy schedule to visit Siham Craftlink and try on some of our beautiful fashion accessories.
Abby is now based in New York and travels the world doing modelling assignments in many different countries. Abby was in Australia for some work and a little R & R but very strongly believes in the principles of Fair Trade.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Kalijong Village, YWCA, Bangladesh
Kalijong Village, YWCA Bangladesh
Any of the information in this story or photos may be reprinted for promotional purposes on the conditional proviso it is stated that it has been provided “Courtesy of Siham Craftlink http://www.sihamcraftlink.com//”
Photos http://www.sihamcraftlink.com/album/kalijong/index.htm photos are in an album format and the small photos when clicked open to larger photos.
During my visit in February, there was great excitement because prior to my visit, I had submitted a sizeable order . As I am attending the Melbourne Trade Fair this year, I needed to think way in advance as to what I will be showcasing. It was so exciting as we visited the different YWCA centres ( in Dhaka, Savar Village and Kalijong Village) seeing the ladies making those ever popular hand puppets and yes ( hopefully) many will be filling orders for customers from the trade fair.
At Kalijong Village, we had the joy of walking around visiting the little homes and seeing the ladies working. Many were sitting on grass mats outside their tin and thatched homes. With needle and thread they were working their magic, handstitching very carefully the crocodile and zebra hand puppets. Some of the ladies were working in pairs,( no doubt a good time to chat too), often with their small children beside them. Some were working individually.
The day we visited, routine life continued in Kalijong Village. Some ladies were cooking their midday meals . Dried cow dung is used as fuel in the small underground clay ovens. Chickens were running around. The village cow looked very contented. Children , always inquisitive of the Australian Aussies, were laughing and skipping as we walked around the village.
At Kalijong Village , the YWCA have built a small work centre which comprises two rooms. It is made of cement with open areas in the walls to suffice as windows. In one of these rooms are the treadle sewing machines . After the completion of the hand embroidery and hand appliqué many of these items are completed on these machines. The other small room is where the ladies can sit together to do their sewing if they so wish. The day we were there this didn’t happen because we were taking up their space! Also this day two nurses visited and were using one of the rooms. Anyone can visit the nurses. This service is paid for by the YWCA. Blood pressures were being taken, advice was being given and tablets were dispensed! The nurses visit monthly.
The ladies are paid monthly by the YWCA. Payment is for each piece, depending on the capability/ skill of the artisan. As an incentive the best producers are given a cash bonus. Each craft item has the producers name hand stitched on paper to the item. When orders are completed, they are then bundled up in bags and taken to the main Craft Centre in Dhaka for quality checking. The name is removed if quality is satisfactory. If not, the article is returned to the producer.
The objectives of the Craft Centre is to provide skill training and an income to the needy women , many of whom are illiterate or destitute and hence have no other means to support themselves and their families. I feel very privileged having worked so closely with the staff , the designers and the artisans of the YWCA for so many years.
Pam McGann
Director Siham Craftlink Pty Ltd.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Fair Trade and Green Fair, Caloundra
The Caloundra Uniting Church had a perfectly beautiful day for their Fair Trade and Green Fair. It was a wonderful relaxed atmosphere .
There were many interesting stalls and displays.
There was a stunning and imaginative display of items made from recycled materials.
Check out this skirt made from computer parts.
Now imagine heads turning as you walk down the street wearing this skirt !!!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Story of the Embroidery ladies of Shohojogita Fair Trade Group, Gazipur , Bangladesh
Exquisite embroideries from the Mirzapur Village Gazipur, Bangladesh to be showcased at the Melbourne Trade Fair
Outside of Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh is the remote village of Mirzapur in the Gazipur region. Here live ladies who have exquisite hand embroidery skill. They are so talented. You name it and they can embroider it, butterflies, dragonflies, elephants, tigers and peacocks to name a few.
Miss Sheuly, a very talented lady is the leader of the embroidery group. Over a period of time, three other ladies have become involved with the hand embroidery. These ladies who had no previous experience , have been taught to stitch perfectly by Miss Sheuly. Practice work is needed to be of a high standard before the ladies are accepted to fulfil orders for the international market. All the ladies are illiterate and from poor circumstances. They now work happily handworking their rich embroideries . When the fair trade organization SHOHOJOGITA receives orders, the materials and threads along with the embroidery instructions are taken to the village. All the women are so thankful to have this work .
With the money earnt the women are able to buy books and pencils and pay for their childrens education. The children are delighted when they receive new clothes too! The women work proudly and believe that with continued orders that their lives will be uplifted out of poverty.
This year Siham Craftlink is proudly showcasing the hand embroidered peacock design handbag at the Melbourne REED Gift Fair.
Outside of Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh is the remote village of Mirzapur in the Gazipur region. Here live ladies who have exquisite hand embroidery skill. They are so talented. You name it and they can embroider it, butterflies, dragonflies, elephants, tigers and peacocks to name a few.
Miss Sheuly, a very talented lady is the leader of the embroidery group. Over a period of time, three other ladies have become involved with the hand embroidery. These ladies who had no previous experience , have been taught to stitch perfectly by Miss Sheuly. Practice work is needed to be of a high standard before the ladies are accepted to fulfil orders for the international market. All the ladies are illiterate and from poor circumstances. They now work happily handworking their rich embroideries . When the fair trade organization SHOHOJOGITA receives orders, the materials and threads along with the embroidery instructions are taken to the village. All the women are so thankful to have this work .
With the money earnt the women are able to buy books and pencils and pay for their childrens education. The children are delighted when they receive new clothes too! The women work proudly and believe that with continued orders that their lives will be uplifted out of poverty.
This year Siham Craftlink is proudly showcasing the hand embroidered peacock design handbag at the Melbourne REED Gift Fair.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Artisans Effort Dream Project
I was privileged to be guest speaker at a fair trade fortnight event in Cairns on Saturday, 8th May 2010. The money raised at this event will be donated to the school that Artisans Effort in Kolkata is building. I now share Ejaz and Shaista's dream with you. Pam Mcgann , director of Siham Craftlink Pty Ltd.
When I first met Ejaz and Shaista , the founders of Artisans Effort in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, two years ago they shared a dream. Quietly they explained that they wanted to build a school for needy children. I listened intently. The "dream" seemed enormous . Financially how could this goal be reached? However I have learnt that when you have the sincerity and the heart such as Ejaz and Shaista to achieve something for the good of mankind, nothing is going to stop that dream become a reality.
Suitable land had been found at Asansol which is 200 kms away from Kolkata ( Shaistas family live in this area).
There was an urgency after realizing the potential of this land. Banks in India do not give loans for purchase of land, only for construction of buildings. An urgent request was sent out to the handful of buyers that Artisans Effort supplies with their beautiful handcrafted fair trade items. Was it possible to give substantial orders for craft to the artisans ? We all rallied for the cause and the percentage of profit from the sale of the craft, along with savings from artisans Effort was enough to secure the purchase of the land!!!
The land area at 8 cottahs (5,760 sq feet ) is quite small but the first part of the dream was secured.
At present Artisans Effort is sponsoring the education of two children, but since 2005, they have paid the educational expenses for nine needy children.
Ejaz and Shaista shared that when they first looked for potential students to sponsor both in Kolkata and Asansol, that they were overwhelmed with responses. Parents were pleading with folded hands. Although able to assist with some childrens education , they felt helpless . They also observed many children working in small tea stands, small hotels , washing dishes and in carriages as their parents had a very small income and the children had no other alternative but to earn some money. As Ejaz says they live "hand to mouth".
In India everyone has to pay for their education. There are three levels of education . Even in the low education English category ( the children are sponsored in this category) the cost of admission is US$55 and then approximately US$22 a month per child. The approximate income per month for wage earners is US$100. Hence it is easily understandable why education for children is out of the reach for many families. Education is an extremely valued and precious blessing.
The school will be a Montessori school. The levels of education available at commencement will be lower nursery, upper nursery, nursery, kindergarten and grades 1,2 and 3.
For the school to run smoothly, it is planned that initially 5-10% of the children enrolled will be given free education. The free education percentage will be changing each year as per the school fund. It is also planned that other grades will be added. When the school does open, there will be many running costs such as teachers salaries, electricity, maintenance and curricular activities hence the need to also include students who will be paying.
As the bank interest is quite high, Artisans Effort will be trying to take the minimum loan possible. The bank rules in India stipulate that the deposit of a loan needs a minimum deposit of 20%.
Some people living near the school land have heard the news that a school is going to be built. Parents are anxiously enquiring where they can register their childrens names.
Ejaz and Shaista know what it means to be poor. With twin boys and no income they were forced to give one of their twin babies to Shaistas family to look after for several years. Food was one meal a day. Wedding jewellery which was given by their families was mortgaged and they never saw it again. Ejaz and Shaista understand the suffering of the poor. That is why this year they were elected to be the Human Rights state representatives for West Bengal. This is a voluntary role.
Ejaz sums up the dream “The school will definately not be able to solve the problem in a huge population but will give a smile and happiness to some. We are very thankful to God that fair trade has taught us something to do for others. According to me, the real good human being gets happy when he/ she is able to bring happiness on needy peoples lives.” It is with the same compassion and love for all mankind that Artisans Effort kindly donated US$100 to the Australian Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
Ejaz and Shaista on left with one of their sons, Pam McGann front row in blue.
The Dream to Build a School is becoming a Reality.
School being built
Last year the first part of this dream was realized.Suitable land had been found at Asansol which is 200 kms away from Kolkata ( Shaistas family live in this area).
There was an urgency after realizing the potential of this land. Banks in India do not give loans for purchase of land, only for construction of buildings. An urgent request was sent out to the handful of buyers that Artisans Effort supplies with their beautiful handcrafted fair trade items. Was it possible to give substantial orders for craft to the artisans ? We all rallied for the cause and the percentage of profit from the sale of the craft, along with savings from artisans Effort was enough to secure the purchase of the land!!!
The land area at 8 cottahs (5,760 sq feet ) is quite small but the first part of the dream was secured.
At present Artisans Effort is sponsoring the education of two children, but since 2005, they have paid the educational expenses for nine needy children.
Ejaz and Shaista shared that when they first looked for potential students to sponsor both in Kolkata and Asansol, that they were overwhelmed with responses. Parents were pleading with folded hands. Although able to assist with some childrens education , they felt helpless . They also observed many children working in small tea stands, small hotels , washing dishes and in carriages as their parents had a very small income and the children had no other alternative but to earn some money. As Ejaz says they live "hand to mouth".
In India everyone has to pay for their education. There are three levels of education . Even in the low education English category ( the children are sponsored in this category) the cost of admission is US$55 and then approximately US$22 a month per child. The approximate income per month for wage earners is US$100. Hence it is easily understandable why education for children is out of the reach for many families. Education is an extremely valued and precious blessing.
The school will be a Montessori school. The levels of education available at commencement will be lower nursery, upper nursery, nursery, kindergarten and grades 1,2 and 3.
For the school to run smoothly, it is planned that initially 5-10% of the children enrolled will be given free education. The free education percentage will be changing each year as per the school fund. It is also planned that other grades will be added. When the school does open, there will be many running costs such as teachers salaries, electricity, maintenance and curricular activities hence the need to also include students who will be paying.
As the bank interest is quite high, Artisans Effort will be trying to take the minimum loan possible. The bank rules in India stipulate that the deposit of a loan needs a minimum deposit of 20%.
Some people living near the school land have heard the news that a school is going to be built. Parents are anxiously enquiring where they can register their childrens names.
Ladies at Artisans Effort, Pam Mcgann on right in blue.
Ejaz and Shaista know what it means to be poor. With twin boys and no income they were forced to give one of their twin babies to Shaistas family to look after for several years. Food was one meal a day. Wedding jewellery which was given by their families was mortgaged and they never saw it again. Ejaz and Shaista understand the suffering of the poor. That is why this year they were elected to be the Human Rights state representatives for West Bengal. This is a voluntary role.
Ejaz sums up the dream “The school will definately not be able to solve the problem in a huge population but will give a smile and happiness to some. We are very thankful to God that fair trade has taught us something to do for others. According to me, the real good human being gets happy when he/ she is able to bring happiness on needy peoples lives.” It is with the same compassion and love for all mankind that Artisans Effort kindly donated US$100 to the Australian Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
Fair Trade Event in Cairns for Fair Trade Fortnight
Pam McGann, the Director of Siham Craftlink Pty Ltd. had the pleasure of being guest speaker at an informative and pleasurable event on Saturday,8th May in Cairns.
The event in celebration of fair trade fortnight 2010, was organized by Ethos Handicrafts Gifts and Homewares 2/132 Collins Avenue in Edge Hill , Cairns and Maria and the Justice Squad from St. Gerard Majella School . Pam McGann shared personal experiences from her visit to fair trade organizations and producer groups in Thailand, Bangladesh and India in February, 2010.
An auction was held of art work by children in Kolkata. From door entry donations, raffles and the auction, $461.15 was raised. This will go towards building a school for needy children. This proposed school is a dream coming true for the fair trade Organization, Artisans Effort in Kolkata.
It was a wonderful inspiring and happy event, one that Siham Craftlink was proud to be affiliated with.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A Fair Trade journey, Bagdha Hemp Project
Any of the information in this story or photos may be reprinted for promotional purposes on the conditional proviso it is stated that it has been provided “Courtesy of Siham Craftlink http://www.sihamcraftlink.com/”
Photos http://www.sihamcraftlink.com/album/bagda/index.htm photos are in an album format and the small photos when clicked open to larger photos.
We alighted as graciously as possible to be greeted by the leader of this group. We were taken to a little building, the walls made of tin sheeting to see a sea of beautiful faces and the click clack of knitting needles. About forty women were sitting on grass matting on the floor and although they watched our movements carefully, the ladies didn’t miss a beat with the click clack of the needles . The day we visited, the ladies were very busy making items for the Body Shop in the United Kingdom.
Bagdha Hemp project started in 1982 with 18 people. It was then that Shahjahan Miah, a Project Development Officer from Mennonite Central Committee Job Creation programme began employing very poor women from Bagdha Village. Since hemp was very readily available in this area, Shahjaha initially started to teach the women how to make rope and twine. Today there are 91 regular workers and also 91 seasonal workers employed. The number working at any one time depends on the orders received. Many of the women work from their homes , but visit the centre every couple of days to receive new supplies and drop off their work.
We were told that before this project was established, some of the women and their families ate the stem of the lotus plant as their main sustenance. Today the women are able to provide food for their families as well as pay for their childrens education. Anima Badda shared with me ( through an interpreter) that she was married at 12 years and her husband had no income. A neighbour asked Bagdha to give her work. She was accepted and although she had only basic skill, this improved over time and now she is one of the most skilled workers at this project. Today her son attends university and her daughter is a graduate. As Anima said, her life has completely changed because of Bagdha. She had no hope in life before.
Before the hemp twine reaches the stage where the ladies can knit and crochet amazing items, there are several processes involved. The hemp fibres are cleaned through a very large metal comb. This is very physical work as the bundle is repeatedly “thrown” into the comb. It takes about 2 hours to clean 5 kgs of hemp fibre . It was fascinating seeing the twine developing from a handful of hemp fibre. In an area outside, there are 6 bamboo posts with holes which is used for the spinning. It is helpful to look at the photos here. As the twine is being processed the ladies walk backwards until 50 metres length of hemp twine has been reached. The twine can be 2,4 or 6 ply. The twine is then boiled to prevent shrinkage.
The ladies looked so happy. One lady said, “ everyone is my friend.”The ladies are grateful to have the opportunity to change their life circumstances around. The same lady said ,”without work I wouldn’t be able to live.”
I would have liked to stay longer watching the creative magic of these gentle ladies but it was already late afternoon and we had another project, Jabopar to visit. And of course another rickshaw cart ride! That story is for another day.
Photos http://www.sihamcraftlink.com/album/bagda/index.htm photos are in an album format and the small photos when clicked open to larger photos.
Bagdha Hemp Project, Agailjhara, Barisal
A project of Prokitree, Bangladesah
To our surprise the vehicle that we were being driven in came to an abrupt halt. There at the beginning of a narrow track were two rickshaw carts waiting to transport the “Aussies” the last couple of kilometres along a narrow track to visit the Bagdha Hemp Project in Agailjhara, in South Western Bangladesh. Where do we put our legs? What do we hang onto as the driver/ rider pulls us along behind his bicycle over the bumpy track? We didn’t have much time to think about it as we were soon on our way, with the “Aussies” hysterically laughing.
We alighted as graciously as possible to be greeted by the leader of this group. We were taken to a little building, the walls made of tin sheeting to see a sea of beautiful faces and the click clack of knitting needles. About forty women were sitting on grass matting on the floor and although they watched our movements carefully, the ladies didn’t miss a beat with the click clack of the needles . The day we visited, the ladies were very busy making items for the Body Shop in the United Kingdom.
Bagdha Hemp project started in 1982 with 18 people. It was then that Shahjahan Miah, a Project Development Officer from Mennonite Central Committee Job Creation programme began employing very poor women from Bagdha Village. Since hemp was very readily available in this area, Shahjaha initially started to teach the women how to make rope and twine. Today there are 91 regular workers and also 91 seasonal workers employed. The number working at any one time depends on the orders received. Many of the women work from their homes , but visit the centre every couple of days to receive new supplies and drop off their work.
The variety of products has also grown greatly beyond the initial rope and twine. There is hemp bags, wash cloths, hemp hair ties and hemp angel decorations to name a few. Siham Craftlink provides a selection of these items in its wholesale range. Within the Bagdha Hemp Project, there is also a woodworking component and we may be purchasing some salad bowls and toys in the future. In the display room adjacent to where the women were working, I saw some interesting Bamboo chimes. Mmmm , couldn’t resist them and they have been ordered and will be a arriving in June ( in a very big sea shipment)
We were told that before this project was established, some of the women and their families ate the stem of the lotus plant as their main sustenance. Today the women are able to provide food for their families as well as pay for their childrens education. Anima Badda shared with me ( through an interpreter) that she was married at 12 years and her husband had no income. A neighbour asked Bagdha to give her work. She was accepted and although she had only basic skill, this improved over time and now she is one of the most skilled workers at this project. Today her son attends university and her daughter is a graduate. As Anima said, her life has completely changed because of Bagdha. She had no hope in life before.
The ladies looked so happy. One lady said, “ everyone is my friend.”The ladies are grateful to have the opportunity to change their life circumstances around. The same lady said ,”without work I wouldn’t be able to live.”
I would have liked to stay longer watching the creative magic of these gentle ladies but it was already late afternoon and we had another project, Jabopar to visit. And of course another rickshaw cart ride! That story is for another day.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A Fair Trade Journey, Recycled Paper Project Thailand.
Here is the next story with photos on our Fair Trade Journey.
Any of the information in this story or photos may be reprinted for promotional purposes on the conditional proviso it is stated that it has been provided “Courtesy of Siham Craftlink www.sihamcraftlink.com”
Photos http://www.sihamcraftlink.com/album/recycledpaper/index.htm These photos are in an album format and the small photos when clicked open to larger photos.
Recycled Paper Group Thailand
It was an adventure before we even visited the recycled paper group , about an hour and a half drive outside of Bangkok, Thailand. After telephoning for numerous directions,and driving up and down narrow streets and over canal bridges, our driver eventually brought us to the house and village where the ladies make the amazing items from recycled telephone books and recycled promotional/ advertising brochures.
We were excitedly met by Rachada Tripobsrisakul, the leader of the recycled paper group. Rachada shared with us that eight years ago she had no work.There was a government teaching programme at the time and she learnt to weave baskets. Her skill and artistic talent developed beyond weaving the basic baskets. Soon she was weaving lizard, butterfly, dragonfly and penguin designs and there was no stopping her!! Her imagination and skill ran wild.
Rachada has taught many people in her village . I had an attempt at step one, rolling one piece of recycled paper onto a length of thin wire. Well, I failed dismally. The paper and the wire has to be at exactly the right angle!! And that is the easy bit before the complexity of weaving amazing life like animal and bird shapes takes place. After hundreds of strips of rolled wired paper are assembled, they are dyed . Again the imagination can run wild as to what colours will be then used to make that lizard magnet and what colours will be used to make that butterfly magnet ? There were riots of colour. Rachada has trained many ladies and men in her village. It is obvious that different individuals have different skills. We timed Rachada. She wove a lizard magnet in ten minutes! For some of the other ladies they were struggling after half an hour.
When the orders come in, the whole village gets involved. There is a buzz of activity. Craft production in the morning and in the afternoon it is field work . The village is surrounded by rice paddies .
The Recycled Paper Group do not pay for the yellow pages that they artistically recycle but they do pay someone for the collection of unwanted "junk Mail" such as advertising brochures and flyers.
With an array of different recycled paper" critters" on display, it was hard to know what to select to add to the ever popular present range of butterfly, dragonfly and lizard magnets as well as the recycled paper maracas that Siham Craftlink presently sells. It was decided that the frog and ladybird beetle magnets will add a nice diversity to the Siham range this year. As we left the village, we saw an amazing sight. There was a canal that was" jumping" with activity. We were curious. This was a frog farm , and the nets were in place, just as if the villagers were going to trap fish. The Recycled Paper items are purchased through ThaiCraft Association, a non profit Organization. ThaiCraft works in partnership with over 70 community based artisan groups . ThaiCrafts objectives are to promote self-reliance for craftspeople with income generating opportunities and to preserve indigenous craft traditions in Thailand. As a member of the International Federation of Alternate Trade ( IFAT) , ThaiCraft is committed to promoting fair trade practices with a concern for the social, economic and environmental well-being of craft producers.
Any of the information in this story or photos may be reprinted for promotional purposes on the conditional proviso it is stated that it has been provided “Courtesy of Siham Craftlink www.sihamcraftlink.com”
Photos http://www.sihamcraftlink.com/album/recycledpaper/index.htm These photos are in an album format and the small photos when clicked open to larger photos.
Recycled Paper Group Thailand
We were excitedly met by Rachada Tripobsrisakul, the leader of the recycled paper group. Rachada shared with us that eight years ago she had no work.There was a government teaching programme at the time and she learnt to weave baskets. Her skill and artistic talent developed beyond weaving the basic baskets. Soon she was weaving lizard, butterfly, dragonfly and penguin designs and there was no stopping her!! Her imagination and skill ran wild.
When the orders come in, the whole village gets involved. There is a buzz of activity. Craft production in the morning and in the afternoon it is field work . The village is surrounded by rice paddies .
The Recycled Paper Group do not pay for the yellow pages that they artistically recycle but they do pay someone for the collection of unwanted "junk Mail" such as advertising brochures and flyers.
With an array of different recycled paper" critters" on display, it was hard to know what to select to add to the ever popular present range of butterfly, dragonfly and lizard magnets as well as the recycled paper maracas that Siham Craftlink presently sells. It was decided that the frog and ladybird beetle magnets will add a nice diversity to the Siham range this year. As we left the village, we saw an amazing sight. There was a canal that was" jumping" with activity. We were curious. This was a frog farm , and the nets were in place, just as if the villagers were going to trap fish. The Recycled Paper items are purchased through ThaiCraft Association, a non profit Organization. ThaiCraft works in partnership with over 70 community based artisan groups . ThaiCrafts objectives are to promote self-reliance for craftspeople with income generating opportunities and to preserve indigenous craft traditions in Thailand. As a member of the International Federation of Alternate Trade ( IFAT) , ThaiCraft is committed to promoting fair trade practices with a concern for the social, economic and environmental well-being of craft producers.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
A Fair Trade Journey, The Biborton Handmade paper project
Any of the information in this story or photos may be reprinted for promotional purposes on the conditional proviso it is stated that it has been provided “Courtesy of Siham Craftlink www.sihamcraftlink.com”
Photos http://www.sihamcraftlink.com/album/biborton/index.htm These photos are in an album format and the small photos when clicked open to larger photos.
Entering Biborton Hand made Paper Project in Barisal in south western Bangladesh was like walking into some form of abstract art gallery. As we passed the beautiful little red rose garden, beside the water pond, an array of red, yellow and white "art forms" were shining on the green lawn in the suns brilliance. The "art gallery" was row on row of handmade paper secured in wooden frames drying naturally with the heat from the sun.
Biborton Handmade Paper Project commenced in 1993. M.C.C. ( the products are purchased from Prokritee) developed the technology to make hand made paper in response to the need for job creation in Bangladesh.
Twelve producers were originally employed in 1993. They were home based.Today there are 75 full time producers and 62 seasonal producers( depending on product demand).There are also 12 management staff. The focus for the producers employed at Biborton are women who are heads of their households, have low or no income and are landless.
As we walked around the complex, it felt like going back in time, going back to the grassroots of paper production. The different processes were explained to us, no high technology here! Big black vats soak the pulp for approximately three and a half hours before being boiled. The waste from the sawmill is used to furnace the fires. Two ladies were using dangerous looking sickles to hand cut the jute fibre. One lady was even standing in a large vat up to her waist filled with water and jute pulp. She was "mashing"it with her feet. However when the wet season arrives, the paper is dried mechanically instead of in the sun.
The Biborton project specializes in the making of paper from the water hyacinth plant( the stem is used) This plant which is not native to Bangladesh is causing immense problems destructively clogging the waterways and ponds. The river beside where we were staying was clogged in parts with water hyacinth plants. A small boat was struggling to move through it. Making paper is a creative response to a difficult environmental problem. Although specializing in paper made from the water hyacinth plant, paper and paper products such as journals, gift boxes and Christmas decorations are also made from jute, cotton and bamboo silk.
This producer group has received regular orders for several years and so thankfully the women have had regular work. Profit sharing is also divided between the producers.Whilst we were there they were making paper which will be heading for Australia!
The women walk to and from their villages daily to the Biborton project. Some people have seen this opportunity and set up small retail businesses, called dokans beside the road/ pathway. Well women do love to shop even if it is only to purchase a small snack to eat!
Photos http://www.sihamcraftlink.com/album/biborton/index.htm These photos are in an album format and the small photos when clicked open to larger photos.
Entering Biborton Hand made Paper Project in Barisal in south western Bangladesh was like walking into some form of abstract art gallery. As we passed the beautiful little red rose garden, beside the water pond, an array of red, yellow and white "art forms" were shining on the green lawn in the suns brilliance. The "art gallery" was row on row of handmade paper secured in wooden frames drying naturally with the heat from the sun.
Biborton Handmade Paper Project commenced in 1993. M.C.C. ( the products are purchased from Prokritee) developed the technology to make hand made paper in response to the need for job creation in Bangladesh.
Twelve producers were originally employed in 1993. They were home based.Today there are 75 full time producers and 62 seasonal producers( depending on product demand).There are also 12 management staff. The focus for the producers employed at Biborton are women who are heads of their households, have low or no income and are landless.
The Biborton project specializes in the making of paper from the water hyacinth plant( the stem is used) This plant which is not native to Bangladesh is causing immense problems destructively clogging the waterways and ponds. The river beside where we were staying was clogged in parts with water hyacinth plants. A small boat was struggling to move through it. Making paper is a creative response to a difficult environmental problem. Although specializing in paper made from the water hyacinth plant, paper and paper products such as journals, gift boxes and Christmas decorations are also made from jute, cotton and bamboo silk.
This producer group has received regular orders for several years and so thankfully the women have had regular work. Profit sharing is also divided between the producers.Whilst we were there they were making paper which will be heading for Australia!
The women walk to and from their villages daily to the Biborton project. Some people have seen this opportunity and set up small retail businesses, called dokans beside the road/ pathway. Well women do love to shop even if it is only to purchase a small snack to eat!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A Fair Trade Journey, The Lao Song Handcraft Group
Any of the information in this story or photos may be reprinted for promotional purposes on the conditional proviso it is stated that it has been provided “Courtesy of Siham Craftlink http://www.sihamcraftlink.com/”
The Fair Trade journey continues, The Lao Song Handcraft Group
Photos located at click link, thumbnails open to larger images
The Lao Song Handcraft Group Thailand
About one and a half hours drive from the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, are the Lao Song Group of Artisans. After driving up and down narrow roads surrounded by rice fields we arrived at the house where some of the artisans had gathered to meet us. The wooden house , built high off the ground is typical of homes in this area.
The Lao Song group of artisans comprises thirty ladies and three men. This most versatile group handstitch the most delightful decorations and soft toys. The stitching is so fine that I asked twice if the stitching is by hand or by machine.
I was reassured that everything is handstitched( except zips which require the extra strength of stitching by the treadle sewing machines)
On the day that we visited, a group of twelve women and one man had gathered. They sat quietly on the wooden floor. Displayed in front of them was a wonderful diverse selection of their products. I was told by Wantana Tianhom , their kind and caring leader , that most of the artisans involved in this group have health problems. Lui was one of the ladies who had gathered to meet us. She had only recently returned from hospital after having a below knee amputation due to diabetes. Many of the artisans suffer from diabetes, cancer and thyroid problems. When they receive orders for their products there is much joy,there is renewed energy and new hope. Many are able to pay for their medical bills from the income earned. For some it is their main income. For others who work in the rice fields, they are able to supplement their income and pay for their childrens education.
I was told that there were four years when the rice fields failed and during this time the sale of the handwork was the only means of income for this village. The group support each other. Ton is very poor and rice is regularly given to her for her family.
Some of the work is organized in their homes ( the ladies carried little bags or baskets with their partly completed work). At other times they come together in the Lao Song House and work together. For some items they may work as a team eg one person do the cutting, another the embellishment and another the sewing. Some of the artisans specialize in the making of different items.
Originally the designs were created by missionaries but now Wantana has this role. When orders are received for this group, Wantana travels to Bangkok to purchase the materials.
Siham craftlink will be adding to their present range from the Lao Song Group.
New Christmas decorations arriving for 2010 include the majestic standing reindeer , silver Christmas wreath with poinsettia decoration and a graceful butterfly decoration.
And... amongst the decorations on display I found a Mr. skiing reindeer to accompany Mrs. skiing reindeer which we presently stock.
The Lao Song items are purchased through ThaiCraft Association, a non profit Organization. ThaiCraft works in partnership with over 70 community based artisan groups . ThaiCrafts objectives are to promote self-reliance for craftspeople with income generating opportunities and to preserve indigenous craft traditions in Thailand. As a member of the International Federation of Alternate Trade ( IFAT) , ThaiCraft is committed to promoting fair trade practices with a concern for the social, economic and environmental well-being of craft producers.
The Fair Trade journey continues, The Lao Song Handcraft Group
Photos located at click link, thumbnails open to larger images
The Lao Song Handcraft Group Thailand
About one and a half hours drive from the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, are the Lao Song Group of Artisans. After driving up and down narrow roads surrounded by rice fields we arrived at the house where some of the artisans had gathered to meet us. The wooden house , built high off the ground is typical of homes in this area.
The Lao Song group of artisans comprises thirty ladies and three men. This most versatile group handstitch the most delightful decorations and soft toys. The stitching is so fine that I asked twice if the stitching is by hand or by machine.
I was reassured that everything is handstitched( except zips which require the extra strength of stitching by the treadle sewing machines)
On the day that we visited, a group of twelve women and one man had gathered. They sat quietly on the wooden floor. Displayed in front of them was a wonderful diverse selection of their products. I was told by Wantana Tianhom , their kind and caring leader , that most of the artisans involved in this group have health problems. Lui was one of the ladies who had gathered to meet us. She had only recently returned from hospital after having a below knee amputation due to diabetes. Many of the artisans suffer from diabetes, cancer and thyroid problems. When they receive orders for their products there is much joy,there is renewed energy and new hope. Many are able to pay for their medical bills from the income earned. For some it is their main income. For others who work in the rice fields, they are able to supplement their income and pay for their childrens education.
I was told that there were four years when the rice fields failed and during this time the sale of the handwork was the only means of income for this village. The group support each other. Ton is very poor and rice is regularly given to her for her family.
Some of the work is organized in their homes ( the ladies carried little bags or baskets with their partly completed work). At other times they come together in the Lao Song House and work together. For some items they may work as a team eg one person do the cutting, another the embellishment and another the sewing. Some of the artisans specialize in the making of different items.
Originally the designs were created by missionaries but now Wantana has this role. When orders are received for this group, Wantana travels to Bangkok to purchase the materials.
Siham craftlink will be adding to their present range from the Lao Song Group.
New Christmas decorations arriving for 2010 include the majestic standing reindeer , silver Christmas wreath with poinsettia decoration and a graceful butterfly decoration.
And... amongst the decorations on display I found a Mr. skiing reindeer to accompany Mrs. skiing reindeer which we presently stock.
The Lao Song items are purchased through ThaiCraft Association, a non profit Organization. ThaiCraft works in partnership with over 70 community based artisan groups . ThaiCrafts objectives are to promote self-reliance for craftspeople with income generating opportunities and to preserve indigenous craft traditions in Thailand. As a member of the International Federation of Alternate Trade ( IFAT) , ThaiCraft is committed to promoting fair trade practices with a concern for the social, economic and environmental well-being of craft producers.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A Fair Trade Journey, The Keya Palm Handcrafts Story
Any of the information in this story or photos may be reprinted for promotional purposes on the conditional proviso it is stated that it has been provided “Courtesy of Siham Craftlink" http://www.sihamcraftlink.com/
Photos These photos(click on link) are in an album format and the small photos when clicked open to larger photos.
Keya Palm Handicrafts Group Bangladesh
With rice fields surrounding and a winding river nearby , we visited the Keya Palm Group situated in the tranquil area of Barisal in south western Bangladesh. To visit this area required approximately seven hours travelling from Dhaka the capital. Because of the distance we were fortunate to stay in the Prokritee "Guest House" nearby overnight. How do you describe the Guest House- well, rather rustic and quaint . Certainly a challenge climbing the stairs ( more like a ladder) to reach the loft where we slept. The little dwelling is situated next to the river ( which is very low at present awaiting the wet season) but separated from the river by a little dirt road/ track . We were awakened in the morning hearing the first sounds of village life . The few rickshaw carts rattling by, the roosters crowing, the occasional motor bike , the laughter of children and the chatter between people as the day began.
The Keya Palm Handicrafts Group commenced in 1987 with seven women. Today there are 50 permanent producers and 20 part time producers . Of course the number of people employed at any one time depends on the orders received. I was told that last year was a very difficult year in this sense.
The head speaker from this group said that when some women joined that they hadn’t eaten for three days. Now because of their work , they can feed their families properly, can educate their children and wear clean clothes. The smiles on their faces said it all.
I often wondered how this group had access to the raw material ( palm leaf) during the wet season. My answer was in front of me.. The palm leaves are dried in the sun for three to four days. There was storage for the dried palm leaves in two small tin sheds in the complex outside the main room where the women were busily working. Also at the back of the main work room is another little thatched hut where the dyeing is done. Alojoydhar , the dyeing specialist happily and proudly appeared to have her photo taken by the big vat where the palm leaf is boiled in the coloured mix. Only AZO free dyes tested by the European market are used. Any “scraps”of palm leaves is used to fuel the fire. There was also a big mound of wood to be used for heating the fire . This wood has been collected before the rainy season. The wood is sustainable, being approved by the Forestry Department in Bangladesh. Every year the trees are replanted.
However inside the large room is where all the activity was taking place. About thirty women sitting on palm leaf mats were busily making little jewellery boxes for an Italian buyer. Watching these ladies quietly but busily weaving the baskets was enthralling. Their foot, hand and eye co-ordination wonderful to see. There were bowls of water sitting on the floor. This is to wet the cut palm leaf strips to make it more flexible and easier to weave. The ladies are paid per piece ( different amounts apply here for different types of work depending on the complexity of the item) as well as a base rate per month. The ladies can weave approximately three small boxes per day.
The ladies are extremely thankful to have palm leaf work. However their lives are certainly not easy. One lady that I spoke to ( through an interpreter) starts her day at 4 a.m. with morning prayer. There is then cooking and cleaning to be organized before she starts her 3 km walk to the Keya Palm Centre. At days end, she then walks the 3kms back to her village.
I was very impressed to see a beautiful large vegetable garden thriving at the entrance to the compound. The ladies when not busy weaving beautiful items tend the garden patch so that they can have fresh vegetables for their family. At this centre there is also classes for the illiterate.
We left the Keya Palm Handicrafts group feeling so inspired. When leaving , some of the ladies shared their joy and happiness to be making items for the Australian market. Oh and yes! they were also very eager to share with us that with continued orders and support, the joyful positive impact that this has on their lives.
Pam McGann
Director
Siham Craftlink 11/3/2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
A Fair Trade Journey
Fair Trade Journey,
We have returned!!
We have seen so much, we have learnt so much and carry so much in our hearts . Over time I will be sharing stories about the different fair trade producer groups we visited in Thailand, Bangladesh and India, sharing personal stories about some of the very special and talented artisans and also some of our adventure!
My plan is that approximately every two weeks I will be sending you a story with photographs. This will also be going up on my blog on my website. Between the four travellers , we have taken thousands of photos , so when we have had time to download them all and sort through them, there will also be photos that you will be able to use for promotion.
A lot of the fun was sourcing new items. Thankyou to everyone who gave me ideas of what to look for and also ideas as to what is "trendy" in todays market. I dont think you will be disappointed. An amazing array of new items will be filtering through during the year. A big emphasis of what I am buying is in the homeware range. I dont like to miss anything and it was such fun checking out samples in ancient looking old cupboards.( often by candlelight as there is frequent power shedding in Bangladesh and we always seemed to be running behind schedule – of course this was always my fault!! ) Bagdha and Japobar producer groups are in the Barisal area of Bangladesh ( seven hours drive each way , plus a half hour ferry ride over a very wide river from the capital Dhaka) And not to mention the last two kilometres in a rickshaw cart jumping up and down over dusty and stony pathways , waving to the village children as the hysterical four Aussies hung on for their lives! It feels like travelling to the remotest parts of the earth to source the richness of fair trade crafts. When we called into one village, many of the people hadn’t seen white people before, so perhaps we did travel to one of the four ends of the world!
I have come back appreciating immensely the importance of keeping sustainable markets open for the artisans. Every artisan desperately needs continuous work ( which is one of the ideals/ ethics of fair trade) and I want to thank you on behalf of the artisans for keeping this lifeline open . With the recession last year many producers for Corr the Jute Works did not receive orders. This organization was in a position to train many of these otherwise unemployed women into sewing jute bags , an area of high demand at present. Not every fair trade organization is in this position. It was a joy sitting with the artisans, laughing with them and seeing at the grassroots level the magic of their skilled hands and the happiness on their faces because they have the opportunity to work under fair trade standards. I look forward to sharing so many stories.
Warmest regards
Pam
Any of the information in this story or photos may be reprinted for promotional purposes on the conditional proviso it is stated that it has been provided courtesy of Siham Craftlink www.sihamcraftlink.com
We have returned!!
We have seen so much, we have learnt so much and carry so much in our hearts . Over time I will be sharing stories about the different fair trade producer groups we visited in Thailand, Bangladesh and India, sharing personal stories about some of the very special and talented artisans and also some of our adventure!
My plan is that approximately every two weeks I will be sending you a story with photographs. This will also be going up on my blog on my website. Between the four travellers , we have taken thousands of photos , so when we have had time to download them all and sort through them, there will also be photos that you will be able to use for promotion.
A lot of the fun was sourcing new items. Thankyou to everyone who gave me ideas of what to look for and also ideas as to what is "trendy" in todays market. I dont think you will be disappointed. An amazing array of new items will be filtering through during the year. A big emphasis of what I am buying is in the homeware range. I dont like to miss anything and it was such fun checking out samples in ancient looking old cupboards.( often by candlelight as there is frequent power shedding in Bangladesh and we always seemed to be running behind schedule – of course this was always my fault!! ) Bagdha and Japobar producer groups are in the Barisal area of Bangladesh ( seven hours drive each way , plus a half hour ferry ride over a very wide river from the capital Dhaka) And not to mention the last two kilometres in a rickshaw cart jumping up and down over dusty and stony pathways , waving to the village children as the hysterical four Aussies hung on for their lives! It feels like travelling to the remotest parts of the earth to source the richness of fair trade crafts. When we called into one village, many of the people hadn’t seen white people before, so perhaps we did travel to one of the four ends of the world!
I have come back appreciating immensely the importance of keeping sustainable markets open for the artisans. Every artisan desperately needs continuous work ( which is one of the ideals/ ethics of fair trade) and I want to thank you on behalf of the artisans for keeping this lifeline open . With the recession last year many producers for Corr the Jute Works did not receive orders. This organization was in a position to train many of these otherwise unemployed women into sewing jute bags , an area of high demand at present. Not every fair trade organization is in this position. It was a joy sitting with the artisans, laughing with them and seeing at the grassroots level the magic of their skilled hands and the happiness on their faces because they have the opportunity to work under fair trade standards. I look forward to sharing so many stories.
Warmest regards
Pam
Monday, January 11, 2010
12 Days before Christmas
This story is special. It is a Christmas story about giving.It is a story about two children Ella and James who live in Longford, Tasmania.
Ella and James are committed to reaching out and helping those in the developing world. For twelve days before Christmas ( with the help of their mother Rose working at weekends ) they manned a Fair Trade stall at a Shopping Centre "Centro Meadow Mews". The Centre management assisted with this very late in the year request. Seats were removed to accomodate the stall. A significant reduction in price for the stall was granted. So for twelve days, Ella and James sold Fair Trade gifts from Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Peru whilst also sharing with and educating the customers the value of purchasing ethically. Last year Ella was a participant in the Thai Exchange Programme. This experience cemented her passion for the developing world and her desire to do something positive.Rose and Ella and James also mann Fair Trade stalls at different markets throughout the year. Ella and James are keen musicians ( their first instruments being violin and guitar) and create a wonderful happy atmosphere at the markets."Good" stories should always be told. I believe that this is one of those "good" stories .I did hear that Ella and James were very happy to sleep in on Christmas morning !!! This was followed by a relaxing camping holiday.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Go back to school the Fair Trade Way !!
Be a proud advocate for fair trade utilizing the great range of
practical hand made accessories for School and University.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
