Asha Handicrafts Association was established in 1975 as a Fair Trade christian organisation to provide a marketing outlet to individual craftsmen. In Sanskrit, Asha means “hope”.

India, which is one of the largest handcraft-producing countries in the world, offers an almost unlimited range of crafts and products. However, these beautiful items can be produced in conditions of abject poverty, with craft workers in bondage to moneylenders.

Asha gives marketing support and technical assistance to groups of small producers and craftsmen and women. By purchasing directly from the workers and giving generous advances, they increase income levels and help groups become self-sufficient.

A team of christian welfare workers are employed to help producers with business concerns and issues.

Asha welfare workers are stationed at different producer groups and co-operatives, sharing skills and extending medical help and education to the workers and their families. Technical training is also provided to increase efficiency and to encourage the growth and development of cottage industries.

Below you’ll see products made by Fair Trade artisans and producers at Asha Handicrafts Association. Click on the images to discover more about each product.