What We Do

1.Purpose of Revision

Shapla Neer started its handicraft program in 1974 with the aim of improving life for economically disadvantaged producers. To make our activities more effective we started field surveys in 2000. Based on the results we came to call the program 'CRAFT LINK' and set down the basic guidelines. After implementing the activities according to the guidelines for 5 years, we decided to make some revisions in order to respond to changes in the interpretation of our partnerships, as well as in the diversification of our products.

The main points of the revisions are as follows.

1) Our Relationship with partner groups:We revised article 3-(2)-2 which describes the necessary terms for the reassessment of our partnerships. This article was written on the assumption that our partner groups would eventually mature and develop beyond of the exclusive deal with Shapla Neer. However, we concluded that in order to improve the living standards of the producers by creating sustainable job opportunities, we do not need to halt our partnerships. Instead, we should like to offer more stable opportunities to a larger number of producers.
In addition to this, some revisions were made to emphasize the importance of developing partnerships with local handicraft organizations and to build fairer and more sustainable relationships.

2) For the last few years, Craft Link has defined its position in terms of being part of an international cooperation to enhance living standards for producers. Thus, we came to call the local handicraft organizations “partner organizations”, and would like to revise the designation in our guidelines accordingly.

3) In the previous text, we limited our products to handicrafts and this has now been revised so that we can deal other products such as food.

2. The purpose of our Activities

Shapla Neer defined the purpose of its activities in article 3 of its constitution, as follows: “In order to confront a number of social problems that have developed in modern society as symbolized by North-South divide and to build a society where everyone can realize their full potential; this organization will implement variety of activities including international cooperation, as based on voluntary participation and responsibility of citizens."
Towards this end, Craft Link is a method of confronting these issues as well as an opportunity for Japanese citizens to participate in voluntary international cooperation.
Based on this understanding, Shapla Neer has targeted the creation of jobs through Craft Link activities and the enhancement of living standards for the economically disadvantaged and the socially marginalized.

These activities are implemented in partnership with local groups that hold shared goals with the aim of developing these groups to their full capacity and to build fair and sustainable relationships.

Through the sale and purchase of handicrafts, we raise the awareness of the various social problems that have developed as a result of the North-South divide, and we propose a society in which everybody can be linked through mutual respect for the diversity of race, culture, and religion.

Moreover, through an increase in voluntary participation, we aim to realize a society without segregation and exploitation where people can live in peace together.

The name 'Craft Link' reflects our aspirations to “link” the producers, consumers and those involved in the production and sale of “craft” and for all parties to work together toward a better society.

3. Activity Guidelines

(1) The Three Major Principles

1) To create jobs and enhance the living standard for socially and economically disadvantaged producers in South AsiaJob opportunities are particularly important for those on unsustainable incomes due to poverty and other social restrictions.
Shapla Neer focuses on placing continuous orders, so that living standards can be improved through the production of handicrafts that utilize local materials and traditional skills and by making the kinds of products that provide a stable income.
We consider it important for the producers to gain confidence and spiritual reward through the production of the handicrafts and we prioritize those producers who live under harsher circumstances.

2) Building fair, and sustainable relationship with the partner group- To build fair, righteous and sustainable relationships with partner groups while working together towards the shared goal of enhancing living standards.
- To actively support the development of our partner groups to their full capacity so they can engage in broader activities and are not solely limited to their partnership with Shapla Neer. In this regard we are aware of not inducing dependency through excessive support.
-To always keep our activities transparent and to focus on sharing information with partner groups, as well as providing full disclosure about our activities.

3) To realize a society where people can live together without exploitation and discrimination, through the spread of voluntary participation in Japan and the countries in which we operate.In order to resolve North-South issues, it is important for people in Japan and other countries to take action to raise awareness and to relate mutually with respect for diversity. Shapla Neer highlights the culture and circumstances of our producers and proposes a society free from exploitation and discrimination, and calls for the participation in Craft Link activities with the aim of realizing such society.

(2) The Principles Behind Our Activities
1) Thorough consideration for the producers The producers apply to either of the following groups Economically challenged and socially marginalized people such as an ethnic minority, a lower caste, the divorced or widowed and those who are unemployed because of geographical or other restrictions that are placed upon them.

Through this program the producers will gain the following benefits: - An improvement in living conditions through higher incomes.
- Personal development such as increased confidence and personal reward; awareness of one’s ability and the fulfillment of potential which consequently improves family relations and status in the community.

Shapla Neer cares for producers in the following ways: -By working with respect towards different cultural standards; the varying seasons, festivals, traditions, skills, and other local circumstances.
-By reaching an understanding of the producers’ circumstances through dialogues.
-By creating jobs and to provide sustainable opportunities

Area s of ActivityOur activities take place in countries where we have correspondents so that we can better　understand the situations of the producers and the partner organizations. Furthermore, we seek to consider other areas as well, if it is possible to grasp situations on the ground.

2) Working Closely with the Partner GroupsWe develop partnerships with groups who share our goals and we undertake activities based on mutual dialogue, conscious not to simply impose our own ideas. We choose our partner groups regardless of their size. We work to expand sales opportunities and increase product development whenever necessary.

The Definition of the 'Partner organization'A partner group falls into either of the following categories:
-A group which hires producers that meet the conditions of Shapla Neer.
-A group which works from the producer’s viewpoint and provides a guarantee of minimum wage, the fair distribution of job opportunities, a good working environment, the redistribution of profits, the implement of life enhancement programs such as through the encouragement of savings
-A group which makes payments on time and keeps their accounts transparent
-A group motivated to make appealing and quality products that utilize traditional skills, art and craft
-A group which contributes to the preservation and the promotion of traditional culture

Shapla Neer cares for the Producers in cooperation with the partner groups in the following ways:-Through placing orders and responding to the living conditions of the producers
-Through ensuring a good working environment for the producers in terms of hours, sanitary conditions, and wages

The Activity of Shapla Neer for the Capacity Building of the Partner Groups-To conduct dialogues and group management in order to reach a communal understanding of current sales figures.
While receiving information from the partner groups, Shapla Neer seeks to actively disclose the activities and marketing situation in Japan.
-To regularly update partner groups with information with regard to Japanese lifestyle, market information, and the sales situation within Shapla Neer. To help them develop products that fits the needs of the Japanese consumers by listening to the voice of Japanese consumers.

The Management's Point of View-It is in the opinion of the management that partner organizations should set up opportunities for producers to state their opinions about their working environments.
-That Shapla Neer should receive the activity report from the partner groups every year and verify on a regular basis. Should there be a problem in the management, we work on the partner group to improve.
-That, when partner groups cease to meet the conditions above, or when no change has been made despite working on them to improve, and when it is deemed difficult to continue our work as partners, the dissolution of the partnership should be considered.

3) Working Towards a Society of “PartnersWhat We Sell
-Hand made products
-Products that utilize traditional crafts and skill
-Products that utilize local materials
-Products that when purchased, encourage consumers to respect the skill and the effort of the producers
-Products those are harmless to the health of both the producers and the consumers.

The Messages We Aim to Communicate:
-The living environment and circumstances of the producers
-The culture, art and craft, and skill of the producers
-A society without exploitation and segregation
-The awareness of North-South issues and the importance of people relating to each other beyond single cultures and customs and with mutual respect for diversity.
-The activities of Shapla Neer

Our Aims Towards a Society free from Exploitation and Segregation
-To put forward proposals at the individual, corporate, local, and national levels so that the people in Japan and other countries can raise awareness of the North-South divide and can relate to each other with mutual respect for diversity.
-To promote cooperation through voluntary activities in sales and publicity
Examples of cooperation in sales:
-Sustainable sales and publicity activity by permanent distributors
-Sales and publicity activities at local events and on other occasions by volunteers.
-Call for the participation in Craft Link activities through the sale of Craft Link products.
-Actively disclosure of information to the public