What do you remember learning as a kid?
Perhaps it was learning to bike or rollerblade; playing a sport or an instrument; or some other type of craft or skill.
At 12, I remember being proud that I could speak two languages, play the piano, and prepare a tray of petits fours or devilled eggs without help. Impressive, I know…
I’m hesitant to use the “P” word here, but I lived a pretty cushy life of Western privilege. My parents always went above and beyond to position me to develop skills according to my interests and what was convenient.
Most of the world’s children don’t live that way. These young ones learn what is necessary to survive.
In a place called Sfax, Tunisia, two brothers spent part of their childhood learning how to carve the trunks of olive trees.
Now that’s impressive!
In places where sheltered upbringings are unaffordable luxuries, we can discover fascinating stories of incredibly talented people.
Today, brothers Hatem and Walid Alimi and their family “produce natural, beautiful kitchen products, all boasting the distinct swirling patterns of the trees’ twisted trunks.” [1]
Of all the fair trade items that have passed through my hands, this charcuterie board was the hardest one for me to gift away! It is truly beautiful. Thick and sturdy, coated with a protective layer of olive oil, the surface of the board is incredibly smooth!
There are many other skilled artisans out there, like the Alimi brothers, who have quality items to sell, but the barrier to entry for them to get their hand-crafted items to market is a huge challenge.
This is what makes Fair Trade Friday such an important organization. They have partnered with over 40 faith-based non-profit fair trade groups in over 30 countries to bring their product to a ready customer base (the Fair Trade Friday Club subscribers).
So many women and men are working hard to provide for their families and rise above poverty. You can choose to use your “purchasing power” to support them in their business when you shop fair trade.
Visit the Mercy House Global Online Marketplace or the Fair Trade Friday Clubs for options.
Link: “Shop Fair Trade”
🛍: $29USD
