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Current Programs

 

Building relationships between Esperanza en Acción and the artisans we collaborate with is a high priority, as all of our work is based upon their needs. Esperanza en Acción exists to support these artisans with technical assistance and access to fair trade markets so that they can grow their small businesses and move from poverty to sustainable employment.

 

  • Calculation of a Fair Wage: We help artisans to identify the costs associated with the making of each piece and how those costs should be reflected in the price of their artwork.
  • Capacity Building Training Program: Artisans benefit from trainings on Production, Money Management and Quality Control which help them to better prepare themselves for new and demanding markets so they can better manage their businesses and the production of their products.
  • Creating Connections to Fair Trade Markets: Esperanza en Acción connects artisans to fair trade markets in Nicaragua and abroad to ensure that they will receive a fair wage for their products, one that allows them to provide for their families.
  • Small Loan Fund: In 2008 Esperanza en Acción began a small loan fund which artisans can access to strengthen the infrastructure of their small businesses. We have already given out five loans from this fund, ranging from $40-$200 which have helped artisans to better meet the demand for their products.
  • Savings for Change In 2010 we added our newest program which is providing artisans with the tools and resources to learn how to create their own savings goal and then meet them in order to add increased stability to their businesses. Esperanza en Accion is offering matching funds up to $150 for each artisan Savings Goal, donations can be made directly to this program on our Donate page.

 

Our work with artisans in Nicaragua is complimented by Social Justice Education Program through which we seek to educate citizens of the First World about global trade relations in order to make this a world that is fair for all people.

 

Click HERE to download a pdf two page handout that describes the work of Esperanza en Acción. Print it out to share information with friends, family and community members about Esperanza en Acción.