Thanks in part to a history of decades of dictators, plus economic embargoes and sanctions since the early 1990's, Haiti is considered the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. Much of the land has been recently deforested by the people for firewood. (Photo left)

75-80% of the population is impoverished, with almost half of the population being illiterate. Only 40% have access to potable drinking water. 25% have access to sanitary sewage systems.

But there is hope. Since pre-Columbian times Haiti's skilled craftsmen have transformed natural materials like vetiver, sisal, banana leaf and vine into functional baskets and works of art. One World Projects and Aid to Artisans are working to find markets for these fine traditional Haitian crafts.

Words cannot adequately express the tragedy of Haiti's devastating earthquake. The One World Project family extends our deepest sympathies to all those affected by this natural disaster. We're thankful to report that many of our Haitian artisan partners have survived, although some are injured; others are still missing.

The soapstone carvers are in an area very close to the epicenter; they are back working again, while rebuilding their houses and gathering tools.

We invite you to browse through our Haitian artisan products. Many items are now back in stock!

We hope that you will continue to support the Haitian people and so we'd like to generate new orders for them! Under many out of stock items is an "E-mail me when in stock" e-mail link. This will tell us how many items we should request from the artisans, and it assures them that their work will continue.

Haitian Soapstone Haitian Recycled Metal Crafts Sisal Weavings Vine, Palm, Straw Baskets, Stars Banana Leaf Planters, Bowls, Hampers Vetiver Bird Roosting Pouches, Baskets

Thanks for your support of the Haitian people, and for your continued support of Fair Trade and self-sustainability in developing countries.

Basketry Section Quick Links:

Basketry Main Page
Bolivian Totora Reed
Haitian Baskets

   Banana Leaf
   Sisal
   Vetiver
   Vine, Palm, Straw

Ghana Grass
Guatemalan Maize
Kenyan Glass Bead
Nicaraguan Pine Needle
Rwandan Sisal / Banana

Haitian
Quick Links:

Haitian Main Page

   Banana Leaf
   Recycled Metal
   Sisal
   Soapstone
   Vetiver
   Vine, Palm, Straw

One World Projects is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Coop America, Social Venture Network, and the Aid to Artisan Trade Network. We're committed to helping economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide in a environmentally beneficial manner.