People of the Sun

Empowering marginalised artisans through recycled material homeware products
2015 SEED Africa Award; Government of Flanders
Waste Management
Blantyre
Malawi

People of the Sun created six artisan enterprises and, through partnerships with internationally recognized designers, is expanding the market for handmade homeware items. Its products are developed with waste or natural materials found locally.

The enterprise has developed an inclusive value chain that generates social benefits to impoverished local artisans and offers innovative products to the market.

With products made from recycled materials, the enterprise is saving resources and creating awareness on the value of recycling, while reducing waste from paper, cardboard and glass in Blantyre city.

Eco-Inclusive Impacts
People of the Sun supports marginalised artisan enterprises with capacity building and access to more markets. With products made from recycled materials, the enterprise is saving resources and reducing waste from paper, cardboard and glass in Blantyre city.
  • Empowering artisans through eye-level cooperation, support and capacity building, as well as additional income.
  • Offering savings groups and access to lighting.

 

  • Saving resources and promoting recycling by developing products from waste materials and sustainably sourced materials.
  • Reducing waste by recycling paper, cardboard and glass.
  • Creating awareness on the impact of deforestation.
  • Strengthening local handicraft micro-enterprises by building a supporting network, linking to new markets and providing training.
  • Supporting the transition to sustainable sourcing and green products in the handicraft industry.

Partners

People of the Sun is a green and inclusive handicraft trading enterprise that trains and supports marginalised artisans to craft unique homeware products made from recycled materials. Working in eye-level partnership with artisan groups and aiming to increase social benefits along the value chain, the enterprise connects them to national and international markets. 

People of the Sun is an inclusive handicraft trading NGO that provides capacity building and access to markets for artisan enterprises.

Mango Club is an enterprise composed of over 40 weavers. The club has a trade relationship with the enterprise and also receives regular business support.

Bangwe Carvers is a micro-enterprise composed of six artisans selling to People of the Sun and receiving support in a similar agreement to Mango Club.