Wall Art
Baskets
Rugs
TABLEWARE
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DECORATIVE
Supporting Preschool Education
Creating opportunities for children in our artisan partner communities
For almost two decades, we've worked with women in rural regions of Bangladesh who make our braided and stitched jute baskets. Over those years, we've come to know the communities behind these pieces and the families whose lives are connected to our work.
Our Fair Trade partnerships have always been about more than the products we create together. Through these long-standing relationships, we've also had opportunities to support initiatives that make a difference in the everyday lives of artisans and their families.
Early Learning, Lasting Opportunities
Within these communities, three preschools provide early learning for around 90 children each year, many of whom would otherwise have no opportunity for structured learning before starting primary school.
Children aged four to six attend for two hours each morning, five days a week. Through books, writing, creative activities and play, they're introduced to the foundations of learning, helping them build confidence and prepare for their first years of school.
The preschools also play an important role in the daily lives of the women artisans. While their children attend in the mornings, the women have time to take care of household responsibilities. In the afternoons, when other family members can help care for the children, they can focus on their basket-making work.
Spaces Shared by the Community
The preschools operate within purpose-built communal spaces that serve several important roles. Each morning, they're filled with children learning and playing. Later in the day, the same spaces become places for women to make baskets, undertake training, store materials and come together for meetings.
These shared spaces bring education, work and community life together, supporting both the children and the artisans who make our baskets.
Our Three-Year Commitment
We've supported these preschools in the past, and in 2026 we're beginning a new three-year commitment to help them continue.
Our contribution will support the ongoing operation of three existing preschools, including teachers' wages, training and supervision, and essential learning materials such as books, notebooks, pencils and other classroom resources.
Our aim is to help ensure that children in these communities continue to have access to early learning and the opportunity to begin primary school with greater confidence and preparation.
Made Possible by You
Every order placed with The Dharma Door helps sustain our long-standing Fair Trade partnerships and gives us the ability to support initiatives like this within our artisan communities.
We're incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our customers, which allows us to continue these relationships and make longer-term commitments to the people behind our products.
Thank you for helping make this possible.
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