The
women of Haiti need help. They need jobs. And HAPI exists to give them that.
HAPI,
or Haitian Artisans for Peace International, is a fair trade artisan co-op. American
workers with HAPI buy embroidered cards from Haitian women and sell them in
American, providing safe, healthy and fare working conditions for the artisans.
The marketing of the art supports women empowerment and economic development.
Many of the artists working
for HAPI have no other form of income, as jobs are not readily available in
Haiti, especially since bartering is a normal form of commerce.
The beautifully embroidered
cards HAPI sells run about $7 each, and can also be bought in packs. Each card
has a symbol or logo for the artist who created it. By going to HAPI’s website
and clicking on your artisan’s logo, you can find their personal story and
photos.
HAPI
also supports other Haitian needs by investing in micro-loans of other entrepreneurs,
giving to nutrition initiatives and investing in community programs.
You can buy their cards or
learn more about HAPI here.
Interesting post Emily. Thanks for letting us know of another important organization doing great work in Haiti.
ReplyDelete