Mai Handicrafts was started by two social workers who were concerned about improving the lives of street children and single mothers in Ho Chi Minh City and ethnic minorities in mountain villages.  Building on the belief that social development is intricately tied to economic self-reliance, Mai Handicrafts reaches out to artisans in underserved areas providing marketing and training and returning some of the profits from the sales of handcrafts to fund social work projects.

The 300 artisans (80% are women) associated with Mai Handicrafts are earning between US$50 and $70 a month in a country where the average monthly income is US$20-30. Many are able to work from their homes or in small workshops instead of seeking work in Vietnam’s factory industries. 

WHAT IS FAIR TRADE?

Fair Trade means an equitable and fair partnership between global marketers and producers in Asia, Africa, Latin America and other parts of the world. A fair trade partnership works to provide low-income artisans and farmers with a living wage for their work.

WHO BENEFITS FROM FAIR TRADE?

The Fair Trade system benefits over 800,000 farmers organized into cooperatives and unions in 48 countries. Fair Trade has helped farmers provide for their families' basic needs and invest in community development. However, these farmers are still selling most of their crop outside of the Fair Trade system because not enough companies are buying at Fair Trade prices.

FAIR TRADE CRITERIA:

1. Paying a fair wage in the local context

2. Offering employees opportunities for advancement

3. Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices

4. Being open to public accountability

5. Building long-term trade relationships

6. Providing healthy and safe working conditions in the local context

7. Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible

8. Ensuring that there is no abuse of child labor