In 2005 we started an income generation scheme which later became Hatti Productions Pvt Ltd, however, we also continue to work with our other partner producer groups as part of our fight against poverty and trafficking:-

The Association For Craft Producers (ACP)
www.acp.org.np

ACP is a truly inspiring organisation, they provide professional services in technology, design, marketing and managerial skill for over 1,200 low income, primarily female,craft producers.

ACP are also committed to undertake precautionary measures to prevent industrial pollution for the preservation of Nepal's fragile environment including:-

• First handicraft based NGO in Nepal to install a waste water treatment plant.
• Rain water harvesting
• Changeover from kerosene based to water based printing inks
• Use of recycled paper
• Use of only softwood in production
• Discouragement in use of plastic bags
• Smoke free environment

ACP is the member of International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), Asia Fair Trade Forum (AFTF), Fair Trade Group Nepal (FTGN), Federation of Handicraft Association (FHAN).

Women’s Skills Development Project (WSDP)
www.wsdp.org.np

Established in 1975 the WSDP has always aimed to employ women who are most in need. Certain criteria were established from the very start, and the primary objective of the organization is still to provide handicraft-related skills training to poor, unfortunate Nepalese women so that they may become self-supportive.The women being trained at the Women’s Skills Development Project come from a variety of social, economic and ethnic backgrounds. Many of them come from rural villages and are widowed, divorced, disabled or abused; some have been cast out from their homes and villages.

All producted are 100% handwoven cotton, chemical dyes and land-dyed with A20-free dyes. The products made for Hatti Trading are natural dyes.

WSDP is the member of International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) and Fair Trade Group Nepal (FTGN).

Maiti Nepal
www.maitinepal.org

MAITI Nepal was born out of a crusade to protect Nepali girls and women from crimes like domestic violence, trafficking for flesh trade, child prostitution, child labor and various forms of exploitation and torture. A group of socially committed professionals like teachers, journalists and social workers together formed Maiti Nepal in 1993 to fight against all the social evils inflicted upon the female populace of Nepal. Most of all, its special focus has always been on preventing trafficking for forced prostitution, rescuing flesh trade victims and rehabilitating them. This social organisation also actively works to find justice for the victimized lot of girls and women by engaging in criminal investigation and waging legal battles against the criminals. It has highlighted the trafficking issue with its strong advocacy from the local to national and international levels.

As part of the rehabilitation process Maiti Nepal trains the women in income generation skills, but they have the same problems with security jobs, they are stigmatised and no one wants to know them. So in 2005 we started working with Maiti Nepal to provide valuable experience and input into their income generation scheme. Today they make the beautiful beaded jewellery.

Friends Handicraft

When we first embarked on finding jobs for the young women rescued by The Esther Benjamins Trust, we came across only 1 organisation which was willing to help the girls and give them the opportunity of work. Friends Handicraft was run by two lovely women who had set up a small felt production facility in Kathmandu. We went to see them and discussed the principals of Fair Trade with them.

Two years on, they have fully embraced Fair Trade principals and are awaiting their formal Fair Trade Accreditations.

They have grown from a small team of 6 to over 20 and now not only sew with felt, but produce it as well. They now make all our children’s felt items and the the majority of Christmas decorations.