Others Trade for Hope – a social enterprise of The Salvation Army – is celebrating its 25th anniversary of promoting hope, independence and dignity for more than 800 Kenyan and Bangladeshi women and men, many of whom have experienced vulnerability and exploitation.
Since 1997, Others has been combating social injustice by using fair-trade principles to fight poverty for people in vulnerable communities.
Its artisan partners create beautiful products that are available for purchase in the USA, Norway, Canada, Iceland and New Zealand.
Creating sustainable employment
Others helps combat widespread poverty, create sustainable employment, educate the next generation and, above all, provide freedom from exploitation. More than 80 per cent of Others’ artisans start small businesses and purchase assets that build a sustainable future for themselves and their families.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Others hosted an exhibition and special launch event at Café 101 at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London. General Brian Peddle, the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham) and other invited guests gathered on 17 April to mark the occasion.
The 25th anniversary provides an opportunity to showcase the beautiful handmade products created by Others’ artisans and their stories.
Whether crafting embroidered hearts, hand-loomed textiles, carefully crafted wooden products or its popular sisal baskets, Others is on a mission to continue providing opportunities for people to turn their lives around for 25 more years.
‘This is a strength for me’
Magdalene, from Kenya, tells how her life has changed because of Others: ‘I have learned so many handicraft skills from the women in Others. I sold some of the products I made and have been able to take my children to school. Being a single mother and grandmother, this is a strength for me. The group has given me a sense of purpose, and I feel that I belong. My life has improved, not only financially but also emotionally.’
Others Trade for Hope’s mission aligns with seven of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals: no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequalities.
Behind every Others’ product is a unique story of dignity, independence and hope.
About Others Trade for Hope
Others Trade for Hope (Others) is a Salvation Army initiative creating jobs for women and men to escape poverty and human trafficking in Africa and South Asia by creating handmade, fairly traded products in safe working conditions.
For more than 25 years, Others has trained and empowered women to develop an artisan trade resulting in intricate, desirable apparel, accessories, home and kitchen items, and seasonal products. With more than 800 artisans, Others aims to create a pathway to independence for artisans to support themselves and their families for generations. For more information, visit www.tradeforhope.com.
