Earning a sustainable living from their products requires artisans to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful.  Our skills development work responds to that need by providing training in areas such as business and administrative skills, export and production processes, and specific crafts techniques. The lack of market knowledge and lack of new and innovative designs are two of the greatest challenges that artisans face in their long-term success. This is why a key element of our skills development work focuses on product development and market trends training. We organize both major trainings on a regional level as well as individualized trainings targeting underserved artisans with the most need.  We work collaboratively with groups to share current trend information, hold product brainstorming sessions, and teach new techniques to improve quality control.

Spotlight on our Skills Development Work

Fair Trade Organizations - Nepal – Trend Workshop & Product Critique

It is exciting for us to be able to reach beyond the groups from whom we make purchases and impact even more artisans. In January 2007, we organized a trend presentation and product critique for 38 participants from 13 organizations that are part of Fair Trade Group Nepal (FTGN). FTGN’s Chair sent heartfelt gratitude to us for the workshop and said, “All of us found it very useful.  In fact, we are very much in need of this type of working and counseling for enriching our products’ design and enhancing its quality.”

Kenya, Uganda - Product Development, Trend & Marketing Training

All of our partners in Kenya and Uganda gathered together in March of 2006 for a 3-day training in Nairobi on product development, trends and marketing.  It was a great way for them to share their experiences with each other as well as to gain new skills.  Jackson Omonyi, who attended on behalf of the Nyabigena Soapstone Carvers, said, "We will benefit greatly from the workshop. My colleague and I already have an idea for a new product line. I must mobilize others in my organization and hold a workshop on what I have learned. I think I will start tomorrow!"