Ten Thousand Villages Documentary

Описание: Pillows, hats, purses, and jewelry. These are just a few of the many unique crafts made by skilled artisans in developing countries. Despite how much creativity and hard work is put into making these products, it is simply not enough to make a living, to put food on the table, or to send children to school.

An independent non-profit called Ten Thousand Villages is one of the world's largest fair trade organizations and seeks to improve the lives of these disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries. The organization does this by "establishing a sustainable market for handmade products in North America" and building long term relationships "where artisans lack opportunities for a stable income."

It all started in 1946 when the company's founder, Edna Ruth Byler, sold handmade items from the trunk of her car. Ten Thousand Villages has since grown into a network of nearly 400 retail outlets in the United States. All "sales help pay for food, education, healthcare, and housing for artisans who would otherwise be unemployed." The company encourages artisans to craft their products using environmentally friendly processes.

With opportunities becoming available and huge support for their work, the diverse cultures of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East will continue to live on.



"Fair trade proves that greater justice in world trade is possible.
It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of
conventional trade and shows how a successful business can
also put people first. It is a tangible contribution to the fight
against poverty, climate change and economic crisis."

World Fair Trade Organization



References
Ten Thousand Villages Website
http://www.tenthousandvillages.com



Footage
Obtained from Ten Thousand Villages YouTube Channel
   / tenthousandvillages  


This documentary was released in 2016.