Guest Author - Jackie O´Neal

The Menonite Economic Association believes wholeheartedly in “the ministry of business,” a mission dedicated to using one’s talents and resources to support and enrich others in the community and the world.

A Christian non-profit organization with a membership of over 3,000 , MEDA focuses on improving the lives of the very poor in developing nations such as Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru, Bolivia, Romania, Tanzania and Mozambique through microfinance, production and marketing linkages and investment fund development.

The Jolica Foundation based in Canada, offers handcrafted products by artisans around the world. As one of MEDA’s partners, the Foundation donates a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of their collection to help support artisans struggling to obtain economic independence and build their businesses. From Peridot necklaces and bracelets from India, to Alpaca silk scarves woven in Peru, to unique garnet jewelry from Nepal, the Jolica Collection’s offerings are fashionable and appealing. Without the assistance from MEDA and Jolica Foundation’s outreach, business development and revenue would be an impossibility for the talented artisans.

In addition to the enterprise in supporting the work of artisans around the world, The Jolica Foundation will in a few weeks launch their collection in the United States and offer a viable business opportunity to individuals needing more income, or the possibility of a new venture.

In these difficult times with the price of fuel rising, many families welcome other sources of income and for entrepreneurial individuals, a humanatarian project of scope will certainly be gratifying.

The Jolica Foundation sells its products through a direct selling channel managed by individual “Gift Consultants” who are equally passionate about charitable, humanitarian work. The innovative collection and focus on helping artisans support their families and develop a market for their designs, can serve is motivation for the sellers of the products and create successful “Gift Consultants.”

Similarly, Global Products Placement Project founded by designer, Victoria D’Angelo assists economically disadvantaged working women in the developing world, not only produce unique handcrafted products, but also offers distribution channels and income.

One such group of women in Southern India, the Lace Ladies engaged in the artful skill of lace making. Belgian nuns had introduced it to the region in the 1800’s and taught young women in the convents how to make lace creations.
Although the Tsunami destroyed the Lace Ladies’ village, they have since re-located and continue to be busy at work. D’Angelo partners with Holy Orders, a company offering handmade products produced in monasteries around the world. Many are consumable and practical.

Now the work of the Lace Ladies are part of Holy Orders and dedicated, working women in Southern India are assured a profitable future particularly since they are now considered “ the only remaining traditional Cluny, Venetian, Point Milan bobbin lace-makers in the world.”

These empowering, humanitarian projects teach us the value of investing in human capital while recognizing the contributions of talented artisans in struggling nations.