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"Imara" is Swahili for "strength" "stability" and "perseverance." At Imara Exchange we strive to provide vital, fair income to Kenyan artisans by providing a new market for their goods here in North America- helping to give them the strength and stability to persevere in their local environment. We employ the principles of socially and economically responsible business by operating according to Fair Trade Criteria, and make sure the organizations we purchase from do as well. We work directly with all artisans, which eliminates the need for middlemen and directs more profit to the producers.
Many of the people employed by the artisan groups we work with would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. Purchases from Imara Exchange provide income that artisan groups and the artists themselves use to pay for food, education, health care and housing. When making a purchase from Imara Exchange you are not only acquiring a beautiful and unique item, but are also insuring that the artist receives a living wage and that their artistic and cultural traditions will continue.
At Imara Exchange we are personally invested in Kenyan culture and community. It gives us great pleasure to be able to share the work of these talented artists from across the globe with individuals here in North America who share an interest in culture, the environment, and the ability to earn a fair wage.
- Paying a fair wage in the local context
- Offering employees opportunities for advancement
- Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices
- Being open to public accountability
- Building long-term trade relationships
- Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local context
- Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible
- Ensuring that there is no abuse of child labor
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