Some of us were a bit surprised when we drove up to the CORR building this morning - it's big, modern, spacious ... and has an elevator! We soon learned that they are a huge organisation - they represent 4000 artisans, across 200 groups, and have 60 staff. They deal with a significant number of customers across the world (there are people from France and Italy also here today), and handle international shipping for Prokritee, HEED and many other local groups who don't have their own export license.
We have seen most of the building - the admin offices, quality control inspection, packaging, sample rooms etc. We saw some new products which should arrive in our stores later this year. Some products are finished here - terracotta products are whitewashed, jute angels are trimmed and packaged. There is a beautiful guesthouse where artisans can stay when the come to Dhaka ... and we're enjoying a lovely lunch here. Soon we'll head off into the countryside to visit some of their artisans.
The staff gave us great information about how CORR operates - they are a non-profit organisation 'marketing trust'. They have a 9-person board, of which 5 are elected by the artisans. They set money aside each year so that when an artisan retires or 'graduates' (decides to leave because they are self-sufficient) they receive a lump sum to help them establish themselves. The groups they work for also set money aside while they are working so they can receive some income at times when there are no orders. CORR also offers micro-credit loans to the groups.
I think we're all finding today a wonderful experience. We have seen some amazing places already, and they were all small local groups which do amazing work. But to see an entirely different side of fair trade in Bangladesh is very encouraging. This is really a business, not a charity or a project.
Time to head for the vans for more driving ...
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Ten Thousand Villages
371 Richmond Road & 1174 Bank Street, Ottawa - http://www.alternativetrade.com
~~ Shop fair trade - Your purchase makes a difference ~~
1 comment:
Hi Ian and learning tour participants;
This blog is fantastic and I look for entries every day.
I can relate to your stories with great empathy as I did a mini tour and marathon in India last year.
Can you post some pics of you all at the various artisan groups?
Send my good friend Petrea my best wishes and my extreme jealousy :>)
I think about you all every day. Enjoy the rest of the tour and please BLOG ON!!!
Sandra (Danforth)
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