Folk, Bangladesh
If you live in rural Bangladesh, finding work is very difficult. To search for employment your only option may be to leave your family and migrate to the city.
Rural to urban migration is a severe problem in Bangladesh. The cities are overcrowded, unhealthy and expensive to live in. Men often have to leave their families to find work, and sometimes don't come back. Once there, migrants are highly vulnerable to exploitation because they are unprepared for city life and do not have the support network of their community.
Folk addresses this very serious issue, by providing rural employment for semi skilled or skilled men, almost half of whom were previously unemployed.
any of its producers are from economically marginalised communities or local tribal groups.
Folk now works with around 550 artisans, providing them with free accommodation where required, interest free loans, and group insurance.
People Tree is Folk's most regular customer. Money from our sales have been reinvested in social projects, including an annual eye camp in Bisiri for free eye treatments (mainly cataracts), and a flood relief program providing food for flood victims.
Eighteen year old Kabir left school before completing his education because his father became ill. Kabir needed to find work to support his family. He began working at Swallows as an assistant, but now, two years later he is a skilled tailor working on orders for People Tree. This has allowed him to support his family, and put money towards his married sister's maternity care.
By purchasing garments created by Folk you are helping them preserve their traditional skills, and provide a stable source of income for their families.
