‘Fair trade is 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 – especially in the South.’

Definition of Fair Trade by the WFTO (World Fair Trade Organisation)

The Believe You Can collection is exclusively designed in the UK and made by WFTO Guaranteed Fair Trade producers in India.

Believe You Can are a BAFTS (British Association of Fair Trade Shops) recognised importer.

We have worked with our suppliers since 2006. We always:

– pay a fair price

– pay at least 50% in advance to help with production, purchasing of raw materials and labour

– work together with trust, transparency, respect and also friendship

– visit regularly to build relationships and to work on product development

– encourage new learning of skills within different product areas

Over 50 skilled artisans (mainly women) are employed all year round –  so ‘Believe You Can’ make a difference buying Fair Trade!

Photo of  some of the hand workers with Louise.

‘We believe firmly that the route out of poverty is opportunity and education, and also that the only meaningful development is self-sustainable development.’

Fair Trade working conditions include:
– Secure and continuous employment.

– Excellent and safe working conditions (no ‘sweatshops’)

– Above average wage

– Equal pay for both genders

– Socially inclusive – employing HIV positive and physically challenged workers

–  Paid holidays & sick leave

–  Sensible working hours

– No child labour or forced labour.

– Concern for the social, economic and environmental well-being of all employees.

Community Welfare Projects:
50% of our producers profits set up and fund local community welfare projects including:

Education:
School and Kindergarten:

There are three schools and a kindergarten for over 1000 children from ages 3-18 years. This provides free and excellent education for many children from the surrounding 30 rural villages. There is a free school bus, free school meals and they are provided with free books.

Access to secondary school minimises drop out rate, especially for girls and the High School currently has a 100% pass rate to the Government Standard (the local Government school is 75-80% pass rate).

Special Needs Education: Originally established as a separate unit within the school, special needs are now integrated into the mainstream curriculum assisting 50 children who would otherwise be ignored or often shunned. These children are not only given education, but medical attention too with physiotherapy based on individual assessments.

Community Health:

Community Health Centre:
All workers receive free healthcare. High quality minimal cost healthcare is provided for the community which helps over a thousand families in the surrounding rural area. In 2006 a brand new dental surgery was opened offering modern hygienic care at a minimal cost.

Outreach Clinics:
Regular outreach camps are held monthly providing specialists who are able to treat conditions such as diabetes, and address paediatric and cardiac concerns.

Accident Relief Centre:
It initially provided for victims of road traffic accidents (there are no public emergency services and so victims of such accidents have very poor survival rates). An accident room has been specifically built and works in partnership with local hospitals in the area.

AIDS Awareness Projects:
Two ‘Healthy Highway Centres’provide practical ‘safe sex’ advice for truck-drivers (these are amongst the highest at-risk group). The project offers free STD, HIV and AIDS treatment, education and medication to over 200 truck- drivers at present.

Veterinary Projects:
This includes providing basic veterinary care and animal husbandry for farmers and local villagers – including rotational treatment for foot & mouth disease, de-worming and infertility. Street plays, audio visual programmes and wall paintings help to raise awareness. Their dairy and arable venture provides employment and acts as a model for self-sufficiency on basic foods such as milk, rice etc.

Environmental Concern:
A windmill on site provides green energy – 2.5 times more energy is generated than is used! The site is also certified for Pollution control of Air and Water by the Government and tree plantations ensure an eco- friendly environment.

Photo Gallery: