Video: The path of a fair trade Christmas Card
“Who actually takes the pictures on FairMail cards?” Every now and then we get this question from our customers.
This short video shows you all the steps from the initial creative card idea by former FairMail photographer Aradhana from India, via a customer in the west actually buying her fair trade card in a shop, all the way to Aradhana investing her part of the earnings in her own education.
Kaushal’s house with a new top floor
Despite the very sad news about FairMail India closing its doors in October 2014, we are happy that the sale of the Indian FairMail cards is still having a positive impact on the teenagers and their families. In the last few months of 2014 five of the teenagers invested more than 100.000 rupees (>1.500 euro) in the construction of their family homes.
For example 17 year old Aradhana started the construction of her families own house in the outskirts of Varanasi which means they will no longer have to pay rent from her father’s small wage as cart puller. Kaushal managed to provide his family with an improved second story of their home. Meanwhile Sandhya invested in fully replacing the tiny room she lived in with her entire family for a new 2 story house. Anil Kumar and Anil Rao also managed to make significant improvements to their homes and to provide due maintenance. In the case of Anil Rao allowing his family to earn more money renting out part of their home to other people.
Sandhya’s new home under construction
We are very happy with this tiny bit of good news after the difficult decision to close down FairMail India. Unfortunately our decision still seems like the least bad decision to take as tension between some of the former teenager’s families still persists. Also our former team member is still being held in jail since July 2014 on accusations which still haven’t been investigated properly. A very sad situation which seems increasingly difficult to influence despite our intents.
Hi, my name is Aradhana and I am a photographer in FairMail India. It has been good to be part of this program. I did not know English, nor photography before I entered. But now as I speak with Volunteers in English I feel for myself that my English has improved a lot and I am very happy with my success.
I also see in my tuition that my math’s has improved. I was even first in this year’s math’s test. I have been selected for the next European promotional trip in 2014. I am very excited about that and looking forward for it.
Last month I learned about portrait photography. I used to take portrait photos of others but last month our photography teacher Eleanor taught us how to take portrait of ourselves. So during that time one becomes model and other take photo of you, so it was new for me. I am very thankful to my volunteers who taught us very well and many new things. Thanks to FairMail and also to the Volunteers. Aradhana.
Would you like to share your passion for photography with our teenagers in Peru or India? Then check out the volunteering opportunities and options for travelling with FairMail during our photography trips.