The unlimited talent is evident in the beautiful handicrafts produced by disabled artisans around the world. Bajalia partners with several organizations and producer groups who focus on job creation for the disabled in their communities.
Disabled workers are targeted for trafficking, getting involved with gangs and becoming victims of other forms of violence where they cannot speak out. Training and development of these workers helps them make dramatic change in their lives. For these people who were once totally reliant on family and are now fully independent and even able to send money home for support of family.
One such organization is Heart and Hands. Ingred Chen started this factory for deaf workers after noticing the huge number of deaf getting involved with gangs and becoming victims of human trafficking. Heart and Hands teaches sign language and serves as a community for the deaf artisans who work there. Bajalia's initial order tripled their work force. Each one has her own story. Some have been involved with gangs but have desired a change of lifestyle and come to the workshop for stable employment. Others came from mountain villages and were uneducated. They now have the opportunity to live independently and work for a fair living wage. This is a dramatic change for these people who were once totally reliant on family and are now fully independent and even able to send money home for support of family. Lu Ying worked here for two years and then moved back to her home to get married. She had learned tailoring skills and now runs a successful business in her home town where she also employs deaf people. |
