The surroundings may well be dry, dusty and run-down – echoes of better times only barely in evidence - but the intricately hand-painted crafts that leave the workshop are truly stunning. Here in the small carpentry studio on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, Alfredo Sacsa works with his wife Isabelle and 17-year-old David, the eldest of his five children, producing items that will find homes around the world.
Yet there’s something else that is distinctive about the items they make – they generate a fair price for the family’s work. Many of the other craft workers in the area supply companies looking for the lowest price possible. They must trade with people who have no concern for the conditions in which the goods are produced. Yet Alfredo and Isabelle are able to set the price that their goods sell for. That’s because Alfredo’s business is working with Manos Amigas, a Tearcraft partner. Manos Amigas has also helped Alfredo with training in new trends and styles to improve the range of products he makes, as well as helping him find new markets.
When Alfredo receives an order he gets half of the money in advance. This means he doesn’t have to take high-interest loans to purchase his raw materials. Manos Amigas is flexible about the payments too if Alfredo needs a bit extra, they’ll help out. ‘I have worked with other exporters and we were treated like animals, as if we were not worth anything,’ says Alfredo.
So what motivates the people at Manos Amigas to be so different? Yannina Meza de Rietveld, who leads the organisation, says of the producers, ‘They often ask us, “Why are you so different from the other buyers?” It’s a great opportunity to share the gospel. It’s what we do that speaks about the love of God. We try to be open, honest and transparent in what we do, so that they can taste the love of God in their lives. I learned from the Bible to be fair with my brothers and sisters. That is the best example of fair trade. The Bible is the best inspiration.’