‘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 hand-made by WFTO approved 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 50% upfront to help with production

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

– help develop new skills for example hand-work in sewing our fairies!

‘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 Nursery:
Founded in 1994 with over 400 children across eight year groups.

Special Needs Education: Originally established as a separate unit within the school, special needs are now integrated into the mainstream curriculum assisting children who would otherwise be ignored or shunned.

Non-Formal Education:
Our suppliers do not support child labour but recognises that it is a problem in India. The school offers a chance for local working children in the community to learn in the evening where they are also provided with free books, transport and a hot evening meal.

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 and medication.

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.