MANILA, Philippines – This island off the coast of Timor Leste is home to farmers who harvest, fishermen who haul, and artisans who sew.
The farmers and fishermen have long struggled to make ends meet. The artisans, a new breed of workers in a community of 9,000, are helping the others end the cycle of poverty.
When British social enterprise Swags World (Simply Women and Girls in a Sustainable World) first visited Atauro Island they saw how sewing skills were highly valued. Sewing machines were a status symbol. To own one was a privilege.
The Swags World team realized that if the women of Atauro could put their sewing skills to use to earn their keep, they would be able to support their families, empowering themselves in the process.
The women of Atauro and Swags World create handmade dolls and stuffed toys. Swags World is not looking for donations, just opportunities to spread their mission, stories and products.
Follow Swags World on Twitter and Facebook for news and updates.
Read the stories of the artisan partners.
Visit the store to see the handmade products.
– Rappler.com
This is brought to you by Our Better World, an initiative of the Singapore International Foundation – sharing stories to inspire good
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