 Our
speaker, Paul Sheppard, introduced us to Traidcraft telling us
that it was founded 30 years ago as a
response to the scandal of world poverty.
From its first transactions with craftspeople in a handful of
villages, Traidcraft now deals with over a hunded producer
groups in thirty different countries, bringing hope and
opportunity where little existed before.
An example of this is in the village of
Kapasule, Malawi, women and chldren had to carry watter in
containers for 1.5 kms from the nearest village with clean
water. Now, they have their own borehole and pump supplying them
with clean, safe water, thanks to the fair trade premium
Traidcraft pays for the sugar it buys from the local
farmers. |
Traidcraft has selected areas which are
relevant to the
countries in which it works as
being the areas where greatest
impact can
be achieved. There are significant needs in
each one and
they feel they have the
experience and expertise to offer in
tackling
those needs. The areas are tea, cotton and
craft
producers, business development
services,
fair-trade and influencing and
advocacy
What can you do? Spread the word, buy traidcraft-branded
products from a charity
stall, mail order catalogue or from the
independent fair trade retailer in your locality, look for the
fairtrade label in supermarkets.
www.traidcraft.co.uk |
