Our Story and Commitment to Fair Trade
Mission Statement (The big Idea) :
To work in partnership with crafters and craft focused social enterprises in Southern Africa to build capacity for income generation and financial security for families, and always considering wellbeing of individuals and respect for the environment.
The Background
My background is in Nutrition with more than a hint of international politics. I still work as a Dietitian in the NHS in the area of maternal health.
Yho!Yho! was established to combine my love of Southern Africa with the desire to source products for young children which were original, fun and provided a source of income for mothers. The criteria for products is that they are practical, colourful and I would want to buy them. And all must be made in accordance with the principles of Fair Trade.
Fair Trade
Fair trade is very different to conventional world trade. It is a partnership trading relationship between producers and consumers, based on mutual benefit and respect.
The idea of Fair Trade was born 80 years ago and started in the charity sector of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and religious groups. The goal was to ensure that crafters, workers and farmers get a fair wage for their work. The first products bought on fair trade terms were handicrafts, and then later tea and coffee. The collapse in global coffee prices in the late 1980s led to the launch of the first Fairtrade certification label (Fairtrade Mark) in the Netherlands in 1988. This fairer trading system included a guaranteed minimum price for coffee to protect coffee farmers from swings in the global coffee price. The square black, blue and green Fairtrade Mark is now well known. All goods carrying the Fairtrade Mark are verified as being, or using ingredients produced under fair work conditions with a guaranteed minimum price structure in place. These products are usually commodities such as tea, coffee, sugar, bananas and cotton. The Fairtrade price includes a social premium to be used for community development projects. The Fairtrade Mark is owned and protected by Fairtrade International.
But What about Crafts ?
The Fairtrade Mark doesn't work for small scale craft producers and artisans who create goods rather than grow a specific crop. But other guarantee systems are in place so that people know they are buying items which have been produced under fair working conditions.
The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is an international membership organisation with a certification system which verifies enterprises are operating in accordance with the 10 Principles of Fair Trade. These principles align directly with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals drawn up by the United Nations and include Fair Payment, Good working conditions, promotion of economic opportunities, no forced child labour. All the 10 Principles of Fair Trade are listed here. The WFTO has its own logo.
Yho!Yho! is proud to be a member of BAFTS Fair Trade Network UK.BAFTS Fair Trade Network UK is a network of independent shops and suppliers dedicated to promoting Fair Trade retail in the UK. BAFTS provides a structure of accountability to its members who adhere to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade as set out by the World Fair Trade Organisation (see above).
