What is Fair Trade anyway???

Fair Trade works with underdeveloped regions to establish sustainable jobs, and creates job opportunities in developing nations where the supplying demographic is supported by positive working conditions and fair wages. Through your partnership with The Peace Exchange the heart of Fair Trade is supported.

10 Principles of Fair Trade (World Fair Trade Organization)

WFTO prescribes 10 Principles that Fair Trade Organizations must follow in their day-to-day work and carries out monitoring to ensure these principles are upheld:

1. Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
2. Transparency and Accountability
3. Fair Trading Practices
4. Payment of a Fair Price
5. Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labor
6. Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Freedom of Association
7. Ensuring Good Working Conditions
8. Providing Capacity Building
9. Promoting Fair Trade
10. Respect for the Environment

To learn more about Fair Trade, visit these organizations:

• European Fair Trade Association
• Fair Trade International
• Fair Trade USA
• Fair Trade Federation
• Ten Thousand Villages
• World Fair Trade Organization

To read in-depth about Fair Trade check out Jacqueline DeCarlo’s book titled, “Fair Trade: A Beginners Guide.”

COUNTRIES WE SERVE

The Peace Exchange partners with current non-profit organization in remote regions around the globe.  We assist in their efforts to promote social enterprise in developing nations. Whether it is a sewing workshop in the Congo or a jewelry workshop in Nepal, we work with others to help promote and sell their handmade products in North America and Europe.  Currently we are working in African textiles in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  We have two sewing centers, one in Mumosho and one in Bukavu.  Our next venture will be in jewelry creation in Nepal.  As Nepal is in the start up phase, we are excited to work with wonderful local non-profits and share more of our efforts in 2015.   

  If you work with a non-profit or group of artisans in a developing nation, contact The Peace Exchange as we want to uplift and partner with marginalized groups who might need our support.

MICHELLE ADELE TABU

Meet one of our seamstresses working for The Peace Exchange from a recent face to face interview with Michelle in Spring of 2014.  On this visit to Congo our team took time to sit down and do personal interviews with each individual working for our program.  Michelle is one that stood out the most.  This woman walked in with a beautiful smile... yet shared a tragic story and had gone through so much.  In the midst of great strive and pain, she still smiles and has joy.  Inspiring.  May her joy bring reflection as to what is really important in life...

Tabu means “suffering”… which is true to her life.  Living like a street child, Michelle never had the chance to attend school.  After her husband was killed in the war conflict, she was left alone to raise 3 children.  With many health problems and stress, Michelle says her only hope is The Peace Exchange.  She thanks us and our supporters stating that we are a true blessing to her life.  “Coming to The Peace Exchange Sewing Center every day gives me hope for a better future.  Thank you,"  stated Ms. Tabu.