By purchasing a product in the Fair Trade system individuals and enterprises can use their shopping power positively and join in the ever growing group of socially responsible and environmentally aware people. Moreover, the inquisitive mind will likewise find joy in exploring artisan skills thriving in different cultures.
Paperweights are made of soapstone by Kenyan master craftsmen and women who are gathered in the Machakos organisation. Machakos collaborates with more than 20 local women groups and 6 crafts cooperatives which represent over 6,000 individuals. Among others, the Machakos assists the producers in penetrating foreign markets, in conceiving and developing new products. Apart from this, the organisation is also involved in coordinating education activities. Within this system of work and trade a producer is paid twice the price she would get in the local market.
