HELPFUL HIPPOS

Helpful Hippos

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: SOUTH AFRICA

Cuddly and soft, these whimsical hippos from South Africa's leading community development organization-Ikamva Labantu-are sure to bring the color and enchantment of a South African safari to your child's playtime. Each hippo is made with a unique African print, and is hand sewn by women from Capetown's townships. While your child enjoys the companionship of this newfound friend, children in South Africa are receiving much-needed day care and educational services because of your purchase.

14" long

CRAFTED BY IKAMVA LABANTU

Ikamva Labantu, meaning "The Future of Our Nation," is a leading nonprofit community development organization in South Africa. The organization existed informally for 30 years during Apartheid while the white minority government suppressed attempts to organize in the black communities. In 1992, as Apartheid came to an end, it was officially registered as a nonprofit to deliver core services to marginalized communities in the Western Cape by collaborating with a number of community-based organizations (CBOs). Ikamva Labantu works with its CBO partners to deliver four core services to communities: primary health care; education and skills training; food security and poverty alleviation through small business development; and obtaining land and buildings for needed institutions. Their programs reach all ages, meeting the needs of early childhood development, youth, families, and seniors. Ikamva Labantu's vision is one of improved quality of life for all of Cape Town's residents and strong community organizations that thrive on their own. In this regard, Ikamva Labantu promotes personal growth, leadership, and innovation as the keys to positive social change.

Community Creations, one of Ikamva Labantu's economic empowerment programs, is a center that provides production and entrepreneurial skills training, as well as jobs, to disadvantaged and disabled individuals, including deaf and HIV positive men and women. A wide variety of goods, including toys and clothing, are produced in Ikamva Labantu's workshops and then sold through small businesses in South Africa. Now, with GGP's assistance, they reach an international market as well.

Fair Trade Products: Global Goods Partners