2008 Woodie Awards
Ten Thousand Villages aims to help artisans from over thirty third world countries
Emily Rabson
Issue date: 11/30/06 Section: News
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On Wed., Nov. 29 and Thurs., Nov. 30, the College will once again welcome Ten Thousand Villages. Students seeking to purchase holiday gifts for family and friends can visit Seegers Union room 108-110 between 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on one or both of these days to purchase items.
Ten Thousand Villages is a program that is centered on helping artisans from over thirty third world countries. Unlike products available in most stores, a significant portion of the money will go directly to the artisans. Ten Thousand Villages believes that fair trade means a fair price, both to the buyer and to the artisan.
There are a great number of items available at Ten Thousand Villages, including religious decorations, hand crafted jewelry and other delightful gifts that can be used at any time during the year. Also available are musical instruments, clothing and accessories such as scarves. Upon inspection, most clothes are already produced in second and third world countries, but it is doubtful that many of these workers are paid enough to live successfully. These items and gifts are not only unique in that they are individually made, but that they are also the durable work of skilled artisans.
The staff at Ten Thousand Villages are volunteers and very knowledgeable about these products. If a student recognizes a gift from a past year that is currently not available, they can put in an order through the catalog.
Students feel very positive about this organization. Jackie Dearborn '09 says, "I think it is a wonderful organization. All of the things that they sell are unique and make for wonderful gifts." Dearborn adds, "I did a lot of my Christmas shopping there last year. Best of all, the money goes to those who worked hard to make the products."
Danielle Scala '08 agrees. She says, "The first time I'd been to a Ten Thousand Villages sale was here at the school. I've bought a few things and admired even more." The fact that the organization is meant to help artisans all over the world thrills her. "I love how fair trade is emphasized [because] that makes me even more willing to purchase [Christmas gifts there]."
Ten Thousand Villages is a program that is centered on helping artisans from over thirty third world countries. Unlike products available in most stores, a significant portion of the money will go directly to the artisans. Ten Thousand Villages believes that fair trade means a fair price, both to the buyer and to the artisan.
There are a great number of items available at Ten Thousand Villages, including religious decorations, hand crafted jewelry and other delightful gifts that can be used at any time during the year. Also available are musical instruments, clothing and accessories such as scarves. Upon inspection, most clothes are already produced in second and third world countries, but it is doubtful that many of these workers are paid enough to live successfully. These items and gifts are not only unique in that they are individually made, but that they are also the durable work of skilled artisans.
The staff at Ten Thousand Villages are volunteers and very knowledgeable about these products. If a student recognizes a gift from a past year that is currently not available, they can put in an order through the catalog.
Students feel very positive about this organization. Jackie Dearborn '09 says, "I think it is a wonderful organization. All of the things that they sell are unique and make for wonderful gifts." Dearborn adds, "I did a lot of my Christmas shopping there last year. Best of all, the money goes to those who worked hard to make the products."
Danielle Scala '08 agrees. She says, "The first time I'd been to a Ten Thousand Villages sale was here at the school. I've bought a few things and admired even more." The fact that the organization is meant to help artisans all over the world thrills her. "I love how fair trade is emphasized [because] that makes me even more willing to purchase [Christmas gifts there]."