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Teddy Exports, India
Prema working with some floral tote bags
Founded in 1990 with 5 employees working in a hut, Teddy has become a prime
example of how a fair trade organization can truly benefit an entire
community. It now is situated on an entire campus and employs over 300
workers (mostly women). All employees receive a salary well above the
local norm and benefits including medical care, paid maternity leave,
primary education for their children, daycare, subsidized meals and
a pension plan. The company uses its profits to fund the Teddy Trust,
which supports a school for 300 village children, an AIDS awareness
program, a healthcare clinic, and an education and counseling
project for street children.
Artisan Story – Prema
Prema was pregnant when her husband was killed in a bicycle accident
on a busy truck route in southern India. She returned to live with her
family and gave birth to a healthy daughter. Not wanting to become a
burden on her aging parents, she sought to find a job that would
provide a way for her to become independent and raise her child.
Her uncle told her about Teddy Exports and she was hired to train
as a tailor. Prema’s daughter was taken care of in the childcare center,
and later she was able to attend the Teddy School. “I can’t imagine
where I would be without the support and regular income I receive
from Teddy. It has provided me with stability and hope.”
Read more about Teddy Exports at www.teddyexports.net.
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