A Fair Trade Christmas Bazaar.
Posted on Nov 12, 2014 by NepalTravel under ShoppingTags: Fair,trade,Nepal,Handicraft
Blog submitted by: Meagan Shantz
With winter approaching in Kathmandu, I wanted to buy some nice Nepali handicrafts to brave the cold in style: yak wool mittens, slippers, scarves, knitted sweaters, and more. I recently visited Fair Trade shops like Kumbeshwar Technical School(KTS) and Sana Hastakala. After learning about the positive impacts of their work, I was more than willing to pay a little more for good quality products that support hardworking marginalized people. It feels great to buy a product with a story, and to know that my purchase is making a small difference.
Have you ever bought something and wondered where it came from, who made it, the working conditions and if the producers are paid a fair wage? Fair Trade certified organizations ensure that their employees are given opportunities, treated well and given a proper salary for their work. They focus on employing marginalized people, upholding gender equity and non-discrimination, and creating safe and healthy work environments free of child labour. In a country like Nepal which is one of the poorest, Fair Trade has transformed many lives. Fair Trade Group Nepal (FTG Nepal) is the first Fair Trade network organization in Nepal and has been advocating and promoting Fair Trade since 1993.
As an International Development student at the University of Waterloo, Canada, I have learned about Fair Trade in school and through organizations like Ten Thousand Villages which sell handicrafts from around the world. But here in Kathmandu, it has been incredible to see the other end of the chain and personally meet women producers who benefit from Fair Trade practices. During my visit to KTS, I met Soma, a woman with many struggles in her life. As a child she dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but her parents did not allow her to go to school. When she grew up, she barely got by selling vegetables on the street, but when she came to KTS, they provided her free education as well as training in carpet weaving. With her new practical skills, she was able to get a job at KTS and has worked there over 20 years. She said with tears that her life is so much better now. It’s people like this that are supported when we buy Fair Trade products!
For tourists, expats, and local Nepalis, I highly recommend visiting local Fair Trade businesses in Kathmandu. And to those who are in town on November 29th, there is a great chance to see all the different Fair Trade members in one place! FTG Nepal is hosting one of its biggest Fair Trade bazaars in partnership with GIZ. It is a whole day event with Fair Trade members showcasing their products, as well as activities, live artisans at work, and various local food vendors. You won’t want to miss this day of fun for the whole family, where you can learn more about Fair Trade in Nepal and purchase beautiful handcrafted products of Nepal for your Christmas holidays.
WHERE IS IT?
German Development Cooperation Office, Sanepa, Lalitpur
WHEN IS IT?
Nov 29th 11am – 7pm
COST? Entrance is free!
Check out the Facebook event for more details:
Photo Gallery
Sponsored Links
Related Posts
-
Liquor World now in Nepal
-
Shopping at Civil Trade Center Sundhara Kathmandu Nepal
-
Shopping in Nepal
-
Handicrafts of Nepal
-
Where to Shop in Kathmandu?
Popular Posts
-
Buying Cycle in Kathmandu
-
Kalinchowk Dolkha Hike
-
Sukute Beach Nepal Trip
-
Dating places around Kathmandu valley
-
Where is White Gumba (Seto Gumba)?
-
One day hiking to Chisapani, Nepal
-
Chandragiri Cable Car-a new destination for outing in Kathmandu
-
Beni to Jomsom by Road
-
How to go to Mustang
-
Memory Trip to Pokhara Visit
Archives
- » 2021 December (1)
- » 2020 August (1)
- » 2020 July (1)
- » 2019 August (1)
- » 2019 July (3)
- » 2019 May (1)
- » 2019 March (1)
- » 2019 February (1)
- » 2018 November (1)
- » 2018 October (1)
- » 2018 September (1)
- » 2018 June (4)
- » 2018 May (2)
- » 2018 March (4)
- » 2018 January (5)
- » 2017 November (4)
- » 2017 October (2)
- » 2017 September (1)
- » 2017 July (1)
- » 2017 June (3)
- » 2017 February (1)
- » 2017 January (3)
- » 2016 December (1)
- » 2016 November (1)
- » 2016 October (1)
- » 2016 July (1)
- » 2016 June (2)
- » 2016 May (1)
- » 2016 April (1)
- » 2015 December (2)
- » 2015 November (1)
- » 2015 October (1)
- » 2015 September (3)
- » 2015 August (2)
- » 2015 June (1)
- » 2015 May (1)
- » 2015 April (2)
- » 2015 March (2)
- » 2015 February (6)
- » 2015 January (3)
- » 2014 December (2)
- » 2014 November (10)
- » 2014 October (2)
- » 2014 September (2)
- » 2014 August (6)
- » 2014 July (4)
- » 2014 June (4)
- » 2014 May (4)
- » 2014 April (5)
- » 2014 March (4)
- » 2014 February (9)
- » 2014 January (3)
- » 2013 December (8)
- » 2013 November (6)
- » 2013 October (2)
- » 2013 September (4)
- » 2013 August (4)
- » 2013 July (3)
- » 2013 June (3)
- » 2013 May (4)
- » 2013 April (9)
- » 2013 March (8)
- » 2013 February (6)
- » 2013 January (6)
- » 2012 December (1)
- » 2012 October (3)
- » 2012 September (5)
- » 2012 August (11)
- » 2012 July (31)
- » 2012 June (40)
- » 2012 May (7)
Have Your Say
comments powered by Disqus