People are at the heart of Ten Thousand Villages. Take a moment to explore the history, geography and culture of artisans from around the world.
Each artisan is unique and each item is inspired by their life journey, dreams and talents.
More than 6000 Thai artisans in 70 community and family-based groups are gaining dignity through fair trade. Working with Thai Craft – established in 1992 by MCC – disadvantaged Thai artisans are learning management skills, receiving product design and development input, getting loans and financial advances, and gaining access to markets.
Siwok Crafts – a Wichí name for the red-crested woodpecker typical of the Chaco forest – has been working with Wichí Indian communities and urban poor in northwestern Argentina for over 20 years. In addition to the over 100 Wichí families who are earning fair wages and a steady income through the production of beautifully crafted wooden products, Siwok also works with at-risk youth from the city of Salta.
Sana Hastakala – meaning “small handicraft” – is a nonprofit group working hard to preserve the rich culture of Nepalese crafts. Carrying handmade items from 20 different craft categories representing approximately 1000 artisans – 80% of whom are women – Sana Hastakala ensures fair wages for all its artisans and provides training, design, and marketing assistance to more than 100 family businesses and co-ops. In addition to providing hardworking and gifted Nepalese people with steady employment, the organization offers various supports to ensure the long-term sustainability of their work.
