Fordham's only socially-conscious marketplace.
Spend smart. Trade fair.
Many of the products we consume today have been manufactured under horrific work conditions. We use a wide variety of conflict-based products from chocolate to cell phones and beyond.
However, we have chosen to take a different path at Amani Fordham.
Our mission is to commission, market, and sell fair trade products for the Fordham community at large that do not take advantage of the individuals who manufacture these products at home and abroad.
Fair Trade organizations do not use forced labor (slaves) and abide to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child about the use of child labor (ex. exceptions for vocational training). Additionally, Fair Trade businesses guarantee gender equity and non-discriminatory hiring practices. Businesses that are Fair Trade also respect the environment as it makes sure that resources are not exploited and as wastes and carbon emissions are minimized.
The Amani Fair Trade Business and Microfinance Team at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business works with both national and international artisans to provide a more extensive market for their products. The program adopts the Fair Trade Federation Principles and seeks to raise awareness of, as well as reverse, many of the injustices in the world including but not limited to hunger, child labor, and gender inequality. The not-for-profit program is run by students, who gain valuable knowledge and insights through their experiences. Amani seeks to educate on the importance and feasibility of creating businesses that are both profitable and ethical while adhering to the Jesuit ideal of social justice.
Amani Cart Hours:
Monday: 10:00-4:00 @ Hughes Hall
Tuesday: 10:00-4:00 @ McGinley
Wednesday: 10:00-4:00 @ Hughes Hall
Thursday: 10:00-4:00 @ McGinley
Friday: 10:00-4:00 @ Hughes Hall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eSRVQ04QZXg
Jewelry: Made by the Trinity Jewelry Company; Narobi, Kenya
Bracelets: $8, Earrings: $8, Necklaces: $15
“Trinity Jewelry Crafts is small jewelry-making business located in Kariobangi, one of the most impoverished areas of Nairobi. Joseph Muchina, the director of Trinity, grew up in a Nairobi slum, which gave him a strong desire to find a way to reduce poverty. Together with two other founding members of Trinity, he was trained by the National Christian Council of Kenya in jewelry making, and they started a small business to employ others in need. In addition to their monthly income, the 7 men and 5 women jewelry makers who work at Trinity all participate in a profit-sharing plan and 10% of their earnings are set aside each month in a pension plan. Joseph says that when they have orders, for the artisans, it means guaranteed food on their table, shelter for those who pay rent for their houses, clothing for their families and most importantly, school needs for their children. Jewelry from Trinity is handmade, with hammered elements, beads from local family bead producers, and traditional African beads.” (Serrv.org)
Soapstone: Nyabigena Soapstone Carvers; Kisii,Kenya
Prices Vary.
“Kisii, a city in western Kenya, is surrounded by soapstone quarries and is well-known both for the quality of its soapstone and the skill of its carvers. Nyamarambe, a small village near Kisii, is the home of the 120-member Nyabigena Soapstone Carvers Cooperative. This civic-minded group has been providing work for its members while also giving back to its community.
A source of great pride for the cooperative is the Nyabigena Mixed Day Academy, an elementary school which they opened in January 2007 which now educates 150 students from the proceeds from the sales of soapstone crafts.
'I am very happy for the orders. I hope if our organization will be receiving prompt orders, my life and the lives of my children will change even more and more for the better.' -- Patrick Ombui, soapstone carver and father of five” (Serrv.org)
Wooden Products: Cochabamba, Bolivia (Alfredo from GO! Bolivia)
Prices Vary.
To order products, please visit our cart during the week or visit our online store http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/AmaniFairTrade
