Our Artisans

Artisan Stories
Where We Work
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Our Artisans

AGF decides on which artisan groups to support, based on a composition of factors that balance community self sustainability needs, social engagement, morale and values, handcraft uniqueness and long term relations between the group and AGF. According to the CIA World Fact Book, over 40% of the population lives on under $2USD a day, which makes it necessary to us to be evaluative while deciding on each new partnership.

AGF works towards preserving the weaving traditions and provides the artisans with both a source of income and an education. We contribute through the lending of supplies, the directing of crafts towards marketability and the teaching of small business development skills


Rufina talks about how she
desperately wants to make a
a better life for her family.

Rufina’s Story

ARTISAN STORIES

In addition to providing the opportunity of upper mobility to communities where little or none existed before, AGF also tackles gender inequality by employing women who could not even dream of having access to income or their own business. When mothers are able to earn money, it is possible for their daughters to focus on their education, often considered a luxury in developing countries. This is important because the children of an educated mother are fourteen times more likely to get an education themselves. Moreover, the income in the hands of a mother twenty times more of an effect on her child’s health and well being. Thus, a woman’s resourcefulness with money has an immeasurable impact on the family, community, and future generations. As World Bank vice president Mieko Nishimizu stated, “If you educate a boy, you educate a human being. If you educate a girl, you educate generations.” ALL STORIES

 

WHERE WE WORK

A Global Friendship has established 65 long-term ‘friendships’ with artisans in Thailand, Indonesia, and Peru. The impact of our grassroots movement is magnified as AGF does not just benefit the receiving side of the artisans, but it also raises public awareness and makes individuals more conscious buyers. Through teaching others about extreme poverty and their potential to make this world a more beautiful place, AGF helps donors, buyers, friends, and sponsors maximize their global citizenship by understanding the world’s interconnectedness and the ability to make a difference in their everyday lives.ALL COUNTRIES

 
Indonesia Thailand Peru