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Esperanza en Accion
Meet the Artisans of Esperanza en Accion
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Working with the fair trade organization Esperanza en Accion, men and women artisans in Nicaragua produce traditional pottery pieces that are world renowned. While they started with two artisans, they have expanded to working with more than 31 different groups of artisans. Esperanza en Acción is committed to working with artisans living in poverty, whether they are organized in cooperatives, collectives or work in their homes with their families. Artisans in San Juan de Oriente make the pottery using a manual kick wheel and finish the pieces using natural mineral oxides for the earthen colors. The fantastic flora and fauna of Nicaragua are the basis for stunning vase designs and novel wind instruments. The pottery is fired using a low-temperature technique so the vases are decorative as they do not hold water.
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About Esperanza en Accion
Source: http://www.esperanzaenaccion.org/mission.html
Our Mission
- To economically empower Nicaraguan artisans and their families to lift themselves out of poverty through fair trade
- To empower people in the ‘First World’ to transform our global economic system into one that is fair for ALL people.
Our Commitment
Esperanza en Acción's commitment is to buy directly from the artisans and pay a fair price for their work, thus empowering them to cover basic needs including food, shelter, education, and health care for their families.
We desire to establish long-term relationships with these producers and promote their talents in a way that preserves their cultural identity.
We strive to educate consumers about the often hidden human costs of our "bargains." By providing information about producers' history, culture and living conditions, we hope to enhance cross-cultural understanding and respect between consumers and communities in the developing world.
~adapted from the Fair Trade Federation Our Principles and Practices Esperanza en Acción includes the following ethical principles and practices in our trade relationships (from the Fair Trade Federation): paying fair wages in the local context consumer education equal employment opportunities for all people, particularly the least advantaged financial and technical support whenever possible encouraging cooperative workplaces building long-term trade relationships respect for cultural identity healthy and safe working conditions within the local context environmental sustainability In practice this means that Esperanza en Acción always pays artisans 50% upfront for any orders made with them, giving them the opportunity to purchase materials and support themselves during the production of our order. In addition we are in constant contact with the artisans, visiting their homes, families and locations of production in order to know their strengths and where we can provide technical assistance to help them improve their work. We also conduct an economic evaluation of the process of production of the artwork to help the artisans determine a fair price for their pieces using a formula based on local, national and global indicators to calculate a fair wage. This ensures that the price we pay to each artisan for their artwork is a fair one.
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Fair Trade Matters!
At Yoga Geek we feel that the principles of Fair Trade mirror the finest principles of the various Yoga and Meditation traditions and practices that we respect. Fair Trade is a global movement that began in the 40’s and exists now as various parallel initiatives throughout the world. Driven by the efforts of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and socially motivated individuals, Fair Trade began by providing advice, assistance and support to disadvantaged producers. Fair Trade has come to be a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers.
In keeping with the spirit of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, here are eight reasons we feel so strongly about, and are happy to be offering, Fair Trade products to our Yoga and Meditation communities:
- Fair Trade products are made in safe and healthy working conditions, where artisans receive a fair price and have a voice in how their workplace is run.
- Fair Trade embraces practices that minimize our environmental footprint.
- Artisans take pride in their work. Crafts are handmade, which translates into closer attention to detail and in the end higher-quality products
- By working through cooperative structures, Fair Trade artisans are able to invest Fair Trade earnings in their communities, improving housing, healthcare, and schools.
- Fair Trade products are unique to the places they come from and the people who make them. Farmers and artisans are involved in the entire process, and Fair Trade products reflect the people and cultures they come from.
- Fair Trade gives farmers and artisans control of their own future. They can build their own businesses, rather than working for a middleman, and the profits stay in their communities and go back into their businesses.
- By choosing Fair Trade products, you are not only accessing high quality products, you are making a difference in the lives of the people who grow the food you eat and/or the goods you use.
- Fair Trade prohibits child labor, ensures health and safety measures are established in order to avoid work-related injuries and follows International Labor Conventions (ILO). Workers are guaranteed access to healthcare and community development premiums can be used to provide greater access to /quality of healthcare and education.
