Jahanara Cottage Industries

Jahanara Cottage Industries was founded by Mrs. Jahanara Begum because, she says, "From the age of eight, I wanted to do something for women." Founded in 1954, Jahanara is one of the oldest organizations in Bangladesh. Today they operate two training schools which train rural women in the skills of painting, weaving, knitting, woodcarving, and basket weaving using local materials like bamboo, jute, cane, reeds, and coconut fibers. Over 300 artisans benefit from the work of Jahanara- both men and women. In addition to a fair wage and safe working conditions, Jahanara offers day care for their children, low interest loans, and adult literacy classes.

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After my training, I started working - producing crafts for Prescraft. I come from a very poor background but thanks to Prescraft, I have been able to get married and raise my two children. - Gilbert Atong - Prescraft, Cameroon.

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