Mang Tha is one of the very interesting teams that will be participating in the tournament. The female team is made up of members and artisans from the Alliance of Chin Refugees (ACR), an NGO that provides shelter and empowerment opportunities for Burmese refugees in Malaysia. We speak to Programme Coordinator Elodie on the team.

Note: Mang Tha also runs a shop on elevyn.com – check it out!

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Q: What do you know of the concept of “fair trade”?

A: Fairtrade is an alternative approach to conventional trade and is based on a partnership between producers and consumers. Fairtrade offers producers a better deal and improved terms of trade. This allows them the opportunity to improve their lives and plan for their future.

Fairtrade offers consumers a powerful way to reduce poverty through their every day shopping.This price ensures that producers can cover their average costs of sustainable production. It acts as a safety net for farmers at times when world markets fall below a sustainable level. Without this, artisans are completely at the mercy of the market.

In addition to the Fairtrade price, there is an additional sum of money, called the Fairtrade Premium or Social Cause on Elevyn website.  This money goes into a communal fund for workers to use to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions.

The use of this additional income is decided upon democratically by artisans within the womens’ organization, Mang Tha. The premium or social cause is invested in education and healthcare according to the level of emergency.

As many projects funded by the premium are communal, the broader community, outside the producer organization often benefits from Fair trade.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your team, and the event objective for the players.

A: Our team will be composed by women leaders, artisans, teachers and learners. Time to be all together in a same time! This event came at a time the women members needed to be encouraged and recognized. We want to use this opportunity to strengthen our group and identity as a social enterprise.

Q: How well are you guys preparing for the tournament?

A: So excited, and we are smiling, laughing inside in thinking about it!

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Thanks Elodie, we’re very excited too!