Saoban Handicrafts
LOCATED IN Laos
Saoban Handicrafts is a social enterprise located in Laos, and the name Saoban means “villager” in the Lao language. A Lao NGO known as PADETC founded Saoban, which works to provide new and meaningful opportunities to artisans, improve product quality, and preserve cultural traditions.
Within 10 provinces in Laos, Saoban has been working with hundreds of skilled and talented artisans. The artisans are village crafts producers, and the majority of them are from rural communities that experience poverty. More than 90 percent of the crafts producers are women, while approximately one-third of the group is from minority communities. The organization is committed to practicing fair trade principles and providing artisans with fair wages. Saoban provides resources such as micro-credits and basic training and helps these artisans work independently. Saoban also works with development partners to help artisans in their communities, such as with access to proper water and sanitation sources. All of the producer groups that Saoban works with are able to work from their communities and homes, allowing them to tend to other work as needed and to take care of their families while working.
from the archives
Bamboo Boxes
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