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GIRARD —
Empowerment, transformation and hope. These three words are the essence of fair trade.
However, what is fair trade exactly? It is a way to transform and empower the lives of poor producers in developing countries across the globe by enabling these people to use their own skills and talents, along with surrounding resources, to conquer poverty.
In other words, it is freedom from a hard life, which results in hope for these people.
Fair trade keeps women out of prostitution, from digging through ditches to find food, and from living in small, cramped places because they have no other option. It allows men and women to have a job that pays them fairly instead of having to work in sweatshops or other awful work places.
When these people get the amount of money they deserve for their hard work, they are able to provide for their families and give them the essentials of life that we, as Americans, have become so accustomed to.
However, when people in these developing countries, such as Ghana and Cambodia, are not paid fairly, they cannot provide enough food or clean water for their families.
Consequently, Alexis Thomason, a senior at GHS, has realized that her life is incredibly blessed, and she has started promoting fair trade and is now representing a company called 31 Bits.
She heard about this company from her mother. Alexis’ parents became interested in fair trade and began looking for goods sold through fair trade companies. Her mom found 31 Bits and told Alexis about the jewelry company. Since Alexis loves jewelry and helping other people, she decided to get involved as soon as possible, looked up information about the company, and applied to be a representative a few days later.
31 Bits is a jewelry company based in Gulu, Uganda, where more than 65 percent of the population lives on less than $1 per day. Women in this program make jewelry with recycled paper. This may seem odd, but with this paper they make beads, which are strung together with other local materials to make exquisite jewelry.
Through 31 Bits Ugandian women are able to earn an honest profit and income from their bead making and are then able to support their families with a home, food and education.
While working for 31 Bits, women learn literacy education, receive financial and vocational training, and learn about holistic care. They also have strong support systems that allow them to continue with a sustainable career after working with 31 Bits for up to five years.
Empowerment, transformation and hope. These three words are the essence of fair trade.
However, what is fair trade exactly? It is a way to transform and empower the lives of poor producers in developing countries across the globe by enabling these people to use their own skills and talents, along with surrounding resources, to conquer poverty.
In other words, it is freedom from a hard life, which results in hope for these people.
Fair trade keeps women out of prostitution, from digging through ditches to find food, and from living in small, cramped places because they have no other option. It allows men and women to have a job that pays them fairly instead of having to work in sweatshops or other awful work places.
When these people get the amount of money they deserve for their hard work, they are able to provide for their families and give them the essentials of life that we, as Americans, have become so accustomed to.
However, when people in these developing countries, such as Ghana and Cambodia, are not paid fairly, they cannot provide enough food or clean water for their families.
Consequently, Alexis Thomason, a senior at GHS, has realized that her life is incredibly blessed, and she has started promoting fair trade and is now representing a company called 31 Bits.
She heard about this company from her mother. Alexis’ parents became interested in fair trade and began looking for goods sold through fair trade companies. Her mom found 31 Bits and told Alexis about the jewelry company. Since Alexis loves jewelry and helping other people, she decided to get involved as soon as possible, looked up information about the company, and applied to be a representative a few days later.
31 Bits is a jewelry company based in Gulu, Uganda, where more than 65 percent of the population lives on less than $1 per day. Women in this program make jewelry with recycled paper. This may seem odd, but with this paper they make beads, which are strung together with other local materials to make exquisite jewelry.
Through 31 Bits Ugandian women are able to earn an honest profit and income from their bead making and are then able to support their families with a home, food and education.
While working for 31 Bits, women learn literacy education, receive financial and vocational training, and learn about holistic care. They also have strong support systems that allow them to continue with a sustainable career after working with 31 Bits for up to five years.
Currently, 115 women work with the program, and their jewelry is sold locally and internationally. Stores that sell the jewelry in Kansas include Thee Bookstore in Hillsboro and Sharks Surf Shop in Lawrence.
Regarding the program, Jenna Holdgrafer, director of involvement for 31 Bits, said, “I am so passionate about 31 bits because I believe wholeheartedly in our business model: providing jobs and opportunity to people who truly need it while encouraging consumers to be aware of the products they our buying and making sure they are produced in a socially responsible way. I love that the company I work for is revolutionizing the fashion industry and at the same time changing the lives and futures for over 100 women and their families in Uganda. It is truly amazing!
“We currently employ 115 ladies in our programs. However, through them we are able to help so many more people. Each woman has an average of four children who she is now able to put through proper schooling. Some of our women have helped their entire families, and the result of helping these ladies is exponential.”
Regarding her purchase of bracelets, GHS library aide Edna Waldren said, “I really like the jewelry I purchased from Alexis. I think it is pretty, but most of all, I like that the proceeds from the sale of the jewelry go back to help the women who made it.”
To read more about this company or buy some 100 percent handmade jewelry, visit www.31bits.com.
Use promo code Alexis2012 when checking out to take a few dollars off of your order.
If you would like to learn more about fair trade, contact Alexis at any time at alexisthomason@hotmail.com.
