Noah’s Ark-Artisan Story
India

Noah’s Ark was founded by Mr. Samuel Masih in 1986 back before anyone was familiar with the concept of “Fair Trade.” A businessman from Moradabad, India, Masih observed his other business associates were taking a personal commission from the local metalworking artisans, on top of paying them very low wages for their work. This led to a distrustful and exploitative work environment, and inspired Masih to create a more collaborative environment based on trust and mutual respect.

After two difficult years, Samuel explained his objectives to Mrs. Sullivan of Sullivan Florist in the United States, who immediately placed an order for US $70,000. This led to collaborations with other international companies, including Tear Fund, Artisanat-SEL, Goed Werk, TEAM and Oxfam Australia. Today, the company produces a US $1.5 million in exports and funds Noah’s handicrafts and Welfare society, an artisan association created in 2000 to promote artisan welfare, capacity building, childhood education and social work.

THEIR VISION

Be a leader organization in the development and commercialization of peruvian handcraft and satisfy the life standards of their members.

The artisan families that work with Aptec Peru are also invested in the care and maintenance of their natural resources. Their products are made of natural raw materials such as clay, dried gourds, recycled glass and plant dyes. In addition, the artisans take care to harvest all materials in a sustainable manner, to replenish plant life and maintain water quality. As part of the World Day of the Fair Trade project, the artisans crafted porous ceramic pots that were filled with plants and donated them to 400 families in the village of Nuevo Ayacucho, providing clean air for the community.

Aptec Peru’s artisans take great pride in their intricate textiles, beautiful ceramic pots and vases, silver jewelry and creative gourd decorations. In turn, these crafts, and loyal buyers like yourselves, help the artisans create a sustainable income and future.