THE ARTWORK WE SUPPORT
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Fair Trade and Production
Customers that purchase art from Promote Africa will undoubtedly require that the products are produced and purchased according to fair trade guidelines. To ensure that our products are produced and traded fairly, Promote Africa places a high priority on the fact that all artisans and CPOs have access to a fair process for production, trade, negotiation and payment with respect to their artwork.
In addition to following IFAT's Ten Standards of Fair Trade, here's how we ensure our fair trade practices:
1) Our Relationship with Artisan, Musician and Community
Through on-the-ground working relationships, we have
established meaningful connections with our
partner organizations, musicians and artisans. From internship
positions that our staff fills for partner development organizations,
to in the field recording with our musicians, Promote
Africa is connected to the individuals and communities that make our
work possible.
For example, in the summer of 2008, two interns from Promote Africa
conducted a personnel audit for the Namibian Community Skills
Development Foundation
(COSDEF), which oversees the production units for several lines of
products carried by Promote Africa. These interns provided
us with an intimate look inside COSDEF's ethical, fair, and transparent
operations.
Additionally, our CPO Donee Policy ensures legal accountability for the implementation of fair trade standards by our partners.
2) Working Together to Overcome Obstacles
At the end of the day, what fair trade is and how well
it works is embodied by the communities, artisans, and musicians that we are fortunate to work with.
Matunda Paulus a good example of what we strive to accomplish through fair trade. According to him:
"For
generations, my family has been able to
sustain ourselves by our carving. But more recently, rising material
costs and
a diminished appreciation for handmade goods have threatened our
ability to generate income. Low cost producers across Asia are able to
undercut our production costs because of unreasonably low wages for
artisans. For my family, fair trade, as practiced by Promote Africa,
gives me the necessary assistance in promoting the products we produce
while paying us a fair wage. Fair trade represents hope, and a way for
my family to support ourselves by continuing our carving tradition."
In short, we work to empower artisans like Paulus to
provide for their families, send their children to school,
and improve their overall quality of life; we empower our community
partner organizations to oversee this effort and to supplement their
educational outreach (such as HIV/AIDS awareness programs) and
skills-training programs.
3) Our Operational Policies
At a minimum, Promote Africa abides by IFAT's Fair Trade Principles. In addition:
1. We believe in justice and hope for the hardworking poor by expanding their opportunities for employment and education.
2. We partner with artisan cooperatives that pay fair wages to their members and demonstrate concern for their members’ welfare.
3. We provide consistent income through purchases,
advances of the partial purchase price of goods, and prompt payment of
the remainder of the purchase price.
4. We increase market access abroad for African artwork.
5. We market quality artwork produced by disadvantaged artisans.
6. We market products that reflect authentic African
culture, that are environmentally friendly and that appeal to consumers
worldwide.
7. We encourage our customers to become familiar with
fair trade and to gain an appreciation and respect for artisans’
heritage, financial security, and employment status.
8. We place great value on our volunteers who work across the globe.
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