Who We Work With
PJT is committed to Fair Trade and working with artisans and farmers that live in poverty. We use democratic principles and practice transparency to ensure that working conditions are safe and dignified, and that the producers have a say in how their products are created and sold. Together, the members of the producer groups set their prices, manage the money, decide when to pay their members and when to invest in materials, and are responsible for all aspects of production, from accepting an order to quality control. Not only does this mean that all members sense a joint responsibility for the group, it also means they learn skills from each other in math, communication, and every member understands the financial situation of their group. The producers we work with set the prices that they feel are fair for their work; this price covers the cost of materials and payment for labor, which is not less than minimum wage. We work with producers through our various Trade Partners who are on the ground and in regular communication with the producers. With our Trade Partners, we work with producers on pricing, quality control, design and in capacity building. If you are a producer group interested in contacting Partners for Just Trade, please contact us via email at pjt@PartnersforJustTrade.org. Tell us a little about your organization and the products you have. Do not send large photo files or products please. Note that we are not currently actively looking for new artisan partners.
Our primary Trade Partner is Bridge of Hope, based in Lima, Peru. Bridge of Hope works with over 16 different artisan groups located in Lima and various communities in the Andes. They travel to and work in the remote villages where the artisans live. Bridge of Hope trains artisans in product design, costing and pricing, quality control and other skills that help them run their own businesses.
BOH artisan groups in Lima come together for a time of learning and sharing.
Comité Artisanal Haitïen (CAH) is a Fair Trade organization which works in Haiti with approximately 170 artisan groups and individuals who make hand-crafted products including art from recycled metal drums, papier mache, and natural materials. CAH was formed in 1973 by religious councils and non-governmental agency representatives, and is based in Port-au-Prince. The organization works with artisans throughout the country. They provide artisans with marketing support, design training, and more so they can participate in the international market.
CAH represents Haitian artisans from Cite Soleil, Croix-des-Bouquets, Jacmel, and other impoverished areas in and around Port-au-Prince.
Manos Amigas works with about 85 artisan groups comprised of family workshops and artisan associations who work in ceramics, textiles, gourds, musical instruments, and more. Manos Amigas uses 20% of their profits for social programs which include school scholarships and feeding children in poor areas of Lima. Manos Amigas also has a responsible tourism program. Partners for Just Trade began working with Manos Amigas in 2012.
Here we see the different groups partnered through Manos Amigas come together for a time of learning and sharing through workshops, story-telling, skill sharing, and deepening friendships!
VillageWorks was started to create employment and provide skills and livelihoods to women and young people in a small village in the Baray District of Kampong Thom Province in Cambodia in 2001. Villageworks has a history of working with artisans as whole persons and addressing the complex challenges this recovering nation faces. The name VillageWorks expresses their focus on handicrafts produced in villages using indigenous materials, native implements, and simple craftsmanship. It also expresses their intent to teach artisans the value and meaning of work. About 80% of the artisans suffer from the effects of childhood polio, and are all full-time, salaried workers. Partners for Just Trade began working with VillageWorks in 2013.
Producer Jasmin Pill showing a hand-printed silk-screened fabric. Through her work with VillageWorks, she was able to complete her Bachelor's degree and was made one of their production supervisors.