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THE LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
FAIR TRADE HANDCRAFT PROJECT

Hands craft a future.

By earning a fair income through their craft skills and use of locally available natural resources, artisans are able to support their families and create a better future.

Handcraft production is small-scale and diverse. Crafts can be made in homes by women while cooking or caring for children, as they are herding animals or between chores. Other crafts are made in small workshops that offer child care, companionship, and use of equipment such as sewing machines. The carving of wood, stone or clay pieces is often done by men working outdoors or in ventilated workplaces. Many indigenous artisan skills are passed down through generations, helping to strengthen family connections and preserve cultures and customs.

In addition to wages, artisan groups provide benefits to their members including skills and literacy training, access to basic health care, low-interest loans or credit. They also invest in community development projects such as building safe water wells, funding elementary schools, and sponsoring public forums on topics ranging from women's rights to nutrition.

The LWR Handcraft Project: your role in fair trade. Next>

Questions? Email fairtrade@lwr.org to learn more.

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