I love to travel and experience new places and cultures. Another thing I love to do is take home a piece of of that culture’s art. I don’t mean cheesy refrigerator magnets, or touristy souvenirs that are made in China, with the place’s name prominently displayed. If I were to show you my collection of travel artifacts, I would probably have to explain their origin to you.
When I can visit a program that helps disadvantaged people make a living by making that art, sign me up! I highly recommend that when you travel to other countries, that you check if there is a handicraft center that provides jobs to the disadvantaged. You just have to make sure the center has a good reputation and does not exploit it’s workers.
I found such a center in Gondar, Ethiopia named Project Ploughshare Women’s Pottery. I rarely walk into a place like this without walking out with at least something. It was the rainy season, so business was slow. Everyone there was happy to see me and full of welcoming smiles. Without further ado…