ICYIZERE:hope now available on DVD at Global Fayre

We recently went to a showing of ICYIZERE (pronounced E-CHEEZ-EH-REH) at The Moxie, and stayed afterwards to hear Patrick Mureithi talk about the film and his experiences in Rwanda (It was showing at the Moxie, an independant movie house in downtown Springfield).

Filmed over 3 years, ICYIZERE:hope is a documentary about a reconciliation workshop in Rwanda that brings together 10 survivors and 10 perpetrators of the 1994 genocide, with encouraging results. Through addressing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and conducting a series of group exercises that help to build trust, the workshop brings participates to a place where they realize that:

a) they are more similar than different

b) they are ALL the victim and the aggressor, and are all suffering from trauma

c) the most effective way to overcome their trauma is by making an effort to forgive each other and work toward rebuilding trust withint their communities.

One of the questions after the film was about whether this project, and the approach taken to reconciliation, could be applied in other situations. The answer, of course, is a resounding YES! As I listened I was struck by the similarity to my childhood memory of the reconciliation process in Northern Ireland. It was only when people (rather than politicians) started talking to each other, sharing experiences, that they started to break down the barriers between Catholics and Protestants and figure out how to work together for the sake of their collective community.

Patrick has shown real tenacity and determination in taking this project as far as he has. His next step is to take the film back to the Rwanda Film Festival (he showed an earlier version of it there last year). To assist with funding for this trip, copies of the DVD are now available, priced $20.

We are proud to support Patrick by selling copies of the DVD at Global Fayre. ALL proceeds will go towards funding his upcoming trip to Rwanda. So hurry on down and get your copy!

Fair Trade Meditation to go!

We’ve just added a really cool meditation box to our online store. It’s always been a good seller in our store, so we’re pleased to be able to offer it online as well now.

Meditation Box from Global Fayre

This beautiful handmade meditation box allows you to take the essentials with you wherever you go!  The box contains a small singing bowl with stand and baton, incense, prayer flags, and a ceramic incense burner (with holes for thin and thick incense). Approx. twelve handmade musk and amber incense sticks. box: 7 in. l x 5 3/4 in. w x 2 1/4 in. h

Tagua Jewelry now in the Global Fayre online store

We mentioned the cool Tagua jewelry that we found at the Fair Trade Federation conference in an earlier post.

We’ve had a great reaction to the Tagua since the first delivery arrived, so now we’re added it to our store.

We’ve started with the candy bracelets – they have such vibrant colors, they are a summer must! We’ll be adding to the online collection over the next few weeks – watch out for Ostrich jewelry too!

Update (May 28th):

We’ve now had some info from Christopher at Minga Imports (they are fellow members of the Fair Trade Federation) telling us a little about how the company came about, and so wanted to share it with you:

About Us

Minga Fair Trade Imports began as The Christopher Connection, founded in 1997 by Christopher Keefe during his time living in Ecuador (1995-2004). It started with the concept of improving education (both education in Ecuador and improving public knowledge of Fair Trade in the United States) and supporting the concept of a sharing wage*.

The company name was changed in 2002 to Minga Manufacturers to reflect Chris’ increased involvement in the design and production of the clothing and other products. Minga Manufacturers worked with local producers of textiles to distribute Ecuadorian products throughout the coastal towns and cities of the country, helping to boost the esteem and the economy of the people.

In 2004, Chris made the decision to move the company base back to the United States in order to maximize productivity, and the name was changed to Minga Fair Trade Imports. The business began with a humble start, working out of a friend´s basement.  As the business grew, he moved up to a garage, then a storage unit, and then to a 600 sq. ft. garage.

As the business continued to grow, Mickey was hired to help Chris. A larger variety of merchandise was imported, and before long the garage became too small.  To accommodate the growth, Minga moved yet again to a 2,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, in 2007, where it is presently located. Although the business was founded by Christopher, he credits his employees with helping make the business the success it is today.

Behind the Name: Minga Fair Trade Imports

The name Minga Fair Trade Imports was adopted to reflect what the business does: import products that provide work and fair wages to South American workers, while retaining the original values of education and a sharing wage*.

One of the most common questions we are asked is “What exactly does Minga mean?” Minga is a Quechua (an indigenous language of South America) word meaning “communal work day.”  When people form a Minga, they all come together and work toward a common goal that is often to the benefit of all involved.  We feel that “Minga” is a word that fits perfectly the goals that we’re striving to accomplish, working together for the benefit of all.

Today, Minga Fair Trade Imports works with retailers in more than 20 states, and many master artisans in Ecuador, Peru, and other countries.  We are excited about the future, and are grateful to all who work with us to further the mission of fair trade in the world.

*Sharing Wage:  The concept of a wage that not only provides the recipient with enough money to pay for essential expenses, but also leaves them with enough to reinvest in themselves and their communities, therefore contributing to the common good.

Trunk Scrub Shea Soap from Global Mamas arrives at Global Fayre!

Trunk Scrub?

Shea Soap?

That’s right – we just got our latest delivery from our friends at Global Mamas, and it included a new product line; Trunk Scrub Shea Soap.

Here’s what Global Mamas say about the soap:

“It is naturally moisturizing and refreshing, handmade by women in Ghana, and uses pure unrefined shea butter, coconut oil, sodium hydroxide and essential oils.

The pure unrefined shea butter is extracted from the kernels of wild karite trees in Ghana. This African “liquid gold” contains vitamins A and E and minerals that work to moisturize and restore the natural beauty of your skin. It contains natural UV protection and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks”

It comes in three fragrances; lavender, rosemary and tea tree oil – and it smells wonderful!

The packaging is made from 100% recycled polythene plastic from Ghana.

We’ve dealt with Global Mamas ever since we first opened the store; you’ll have seen the too-cute baby and children clothes, plus the cool pj’s and lounge pants. They are a nonprofit, fair trade organization with the mission of empowering women in Africa. They are also members of the World Fair Trade Organization and fellow members of the Fair Trade Federation.

Zulu Ilala Palm African Baskets woven in South Africa

We just added two more beautiful baskets to our online store.

They are Zulu Ilala Palm African Baskets, handcrafted in the northeastern coastal area of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. All-natural fibers, materials and dyes are used to construct these unique treasures. Most of the people in this region are subsistence farmers and live in their traditional Kraals, an area fenced in by piles of sticks that contain their traditional huts.

Ilala palm fronds are collected, pulled into strips, naturally dyed and then hung to dry as the traditional Zulu women prepare their materials for basket-weaving. The palm fronds have a waxy coating which makes them ideal for the weaving of watertight baskets.

The age-old tradition of basket weaving is usually passed down from grandmother to granddaughter. Some young girls begin learning the art of weaving as young as age 9. Many are able to put themselves all the way through school, supported solely on the proceeds of their basket sales.

Different patterns on the African baskets also carry different meanings (see list below). The larger baskets are traditionally woven by the bride-to-be or given to the new couple as wedding gifts. During the Zulu wedding the baskets will be used to hold ceremonial beer and they are sometimes called ‘beer baskets’ for that reason. Prior to its first use, the basket’s pores are closed from the inside with a paste of coarsely-ground corn. The more elaborate designs and intricately- patterned baskets denote the relative wealth and power of the family. An elaborate, medium-sized basket may take 30 days to weave.

These two baskets are referred to as Ukhambas (lid fits inside the top, cork-like) and they are actually watertight. The alternative type is known as Isichumo (lid fits over the top, jar-like). Smaller baskets with lids or Iquthu often have a looser weave and are traditionally used to store medicinal herbs. Open bowls or Isiquabetho and Iqoma are used to store nuts, grains, fruits or vegetables while flatter baskets or Mbenges are used as tops to clay jars or open top African baskets.

Here’s what the patterns mean:

Triangle — A masculine symbol

Diamond — A feminine symbol

Double Triangle — Marriage, man

Double Diamond — Marriage, woman

Zig-Zag — Masculine, represents the spear of Shaka, the leader of the Zulu people

Series of Diamonds — Feminine, represents the shields of Shaka

Checkerboards, Whirls or Circles — Good news, new baby, good rains, plentiful harvest

Points Around the Outside — Shows the number of cattle paid as bridewealth (Lobola)

And here’s how the different colors are achieved:

Cream — This is the natural color of the dried ilala palm fronds.

Pink/Lilac — Comes from boiling the palm fibers for a day with the leaves of a certain shrub.

Brown/Black — These most popular colors are attained using the roots of trees from river banks.

Golden Brown — Comes from four hours of boiling with the root of a special shrub-like plant.

Coral — Mixing aloe roots with the same roots that produce the pink colors makes up this color.

Purple/Blue — Boiling for four hours with the skins from a particular ripe berry produces this color.

Grey — The palm fronds are soaked in a black sludge of mud with a high iron content for one week.

Orange — The roots of a small hairy-leafed plant is boiled with the palm fibers for several hours.

Yellow/Mustard — Palm fronds are soaked in a wood ash paste then boiled for seven hours.

Green — Soaking in fresh cow dung overnight then boiling for several hours tints the palm fronds green.

Light Red — Bark and leaves are crushed together and the ilala fibers are boiled in the mixture for two days.

Twitter

Yes – we’ve succumbed.

We’re tweeting or twittering, or whatever you prefer to call it…http://twitter.com/globalfayre

Not quite sure how this works in to the strategic plan for Global Fayre, much less how it will further the cause of Fair Trade, or empower artisans in developing countries.

I wonder how many weavers in Ghana have access to Twitter?

Then again, it can’t hurt, right?!

Working with the Community

When we started Global Fayre, we knew that community outreach would be an important element of our work here, but frankly underestimated just how rewarding that aspect of the store would be.

We give at least one Fair Trade talk mosts weeks; these talks are to a wide variety of groups in the community, from pre-schoolers to Red Hat ladies. Sometimes it involves us packing some interesting pieces and visiting them, but most times they come to the store and get a “Fair Trade Talk and Tour” as we wander around the store using some of the beautiful items we have here to highlight the various aspects of Fair Trade.

One of the biggest kicks we get is when people return after a tour, bringing others with them, so pass on the message. It’s especially great to see kids bringing their parents in to explain what Fair Trade is all about.

One local school we’ve worked closely with the is the Phelps Center for Gifted Education. They are part of the public school system in Springfield, and have something called the WINGS Program. WINGS (Working with the Individual Needs of Gifted Students) is designed to identify academically gifted students. The purpose of the program is to provide academic challenge and rigor as well as address the social/emotional needs of the gifted student. We’ve given a few talks now to students on the WINGS program, but this week two of the students turned the tables and brought in books that they had created to help explain Fair Trade. They had done a great job of conveying what Fair Trade is all about in an interesting and engaging way, and wanted to donate the books to the store so that we can use them with other students in the future.

The books are proudly on display behind the counter, and we’re looking forward to using them!

Here’s a couple of shots taken during their visit to present their work:

Have you made a Kiva loan yet?

We just got another repayment from our existing Kiva loans, so it was time to make some new loans from the funds we have with Kiva.

We chose two loans, each of $25.

The first ones was to Marie in Peru, who needs a $350 loan to buy sheep. The loan is to be repaid over 8 months. Here’s what Kiva had to say about Marie:

Maria Nieves is a very hardworking woman. She is a member of the Punta Sahuacasi Village Bank in the Azangaro Province in the Department of Puno. She is 56-years-old and lives with two children that she is responsible for. She lives in the Punta Sahuacasi Sector of Acochupa, and has a first grade education. Maria has been wokring with Movimiento Manuela Ramos for the past 3 years. She earns her living buying and selling small livestock (sheep). Her first loan was for 300 soles. She would like an additional loan at this time of 1000 soles, with which she plans to buy more livestock to sell at the fairs in her area. Maria Nieves tells us that she really enjoys the meetings because they allow her to share with her fellow members.

The second loan was to the San Nicolas group in Bolivia. They are a community bank seeking to raise $2,900.

The “San Nicolás” community bank is comprised of twelve members. Among them there is one man, a locksmith. The San Nicolás community bank members entered their fifth loan cycle. They have met all of the obligations agreed upon in the contract they signed with Agrocapital.  Many of the members work as crafts people. Some of them weave blankets, make macrame, and sell supplies on credit and for cash. Some of the members have fixed stalls in different fairs in El Alto. The most important, and where most of them assemble, is the 16th of July fair. They sell products they make themselves or resell products at low prices. They need a loan to augment their working capital and stock their merchandise. The competition that they have in the sector where they work is open for a good sale because they are far from the center of the city. The women and neighbors prefer to do their marketing in the same zone. Because they rely on daily fairs, it is easier to move their products and get better income. This group is in its fifth loan cycle. The Agrocapital foundation trusts them because they make their payments responsibly and on time.

Have you made a Kiva loan yet? If not, click on the link below……it might not change your life, but it may well change the life of the person you make the loan to.

Fair Trade Tagua jewelry from Ecuador arrives at Global Fayre

When we went to the Fair Trade Federation Conference in Portland earlier this year, we made some great contacts and met face-to-face with many Fair Trade importers that had until then we had only ‘met’ through their websites and email conversations.

We’re now starting to see some new products arrive at Global Fayre as a result. It always takes more time than we expect to go from liking something we see to getting that first order in, but we have found that it pays to be cautious at first; once a product or a range gets established, there will be plenty of time to get more items in later on.

So we were excited today to get our first shipment from Minga Fair Trade Imports.Acting as a liaison between small businesses in the global north and artisans in the global south to promote mutual economic advantage and appreciation, Minga develops, imports, and distributes to retail stores clothing for all seasons and ages, accessories, baskets, art, jewelry, musical instruments, pottery, rugs, toys, and other items from Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Brazil.

We really like their clothing, especially the kids clothing, but we’re CRAZY about their Tagua.

Tagua is an ivory-like nut harvested from palm trees indigenous to South America. Tagua is used to make beautiful products, at the same time helping to protect the earth’s animals and environment.

How does Tagua help?

It discourages poaching. Long known as ‘poor man’s ivory’ Tagua provides a beautiful alternative, reducing demand for ivory and reducing the slaughter of elephants.

It creates Jobs. Hand crafting Tagua gives farmers much needed work, as well as preserving a traditinoal art and culture.

It preserves the Forest. Tagua nuts are harvested without harming the trees they grow on, meaning that the landscape is preserved and the ecosystem protected.

Global Fayre announces price reduction on Putumayo CD’s

We’re delighted to announce that with immediate effect the prices on all our Putumayo CDs has been reduced from $15.99 to $14.98.

This applies to sales in the Global Fayre store in downtown Springfield, MO as well as to sales through our online store at www.globalfayre.com.

We’d like to thank our friends at Putumayo for making this possible by lowering their wholesale price on the CDs.

So far as we are aware, this price reduction is a ‘permanent’ one, rather than a short-term promotion (though of  course prices are always subject to review and may change at any time).

Isn’t it GREAT to be able to give some good news?!