This May I received my certificate for the Future learn MOOC
'Make Change Happen'
I embraced Ramadan 2019 and
celebrated World Fair Trade Day 2019
Make Change Happen - Future Learn MOOC with Oxfam and
the Open University Certificate
Make Change Happen - Future Learn MOOC with Oxfam and
the Open University Certificate
Make Change Happen - Future Learn MOOC with Oxfam and
the Open University Certificate
Make Change Happen - Future Learn MOOC with Oxfam and
the Open University Certificate
Make Change Happen - Future Learn MOOC with Oxfam and
the Open University Certificate
I particularly enjoyed week 6 where I wrote about Isatou Cessay and edited her interviews.
Isatou Ceesay environmental activist and social entrepreneur accompanied by her son Madou stayed with me for 5 days during their 7 day visit to Dubai late March early April 2019.
I asked Isatou to sign copies of her book for nephew's and niece's.
I also conducted a detailed interview with Isatou (pronounced Ay Sa Tou) about her life and work.
Isatou signing my copy of One Plastic Bag
Interview short edited version
To watch Isatou's videos please click here.
Ramadan is a time of abstention, connection and reflection.
This Ramadan was particularly difficult as I was recovering from two shoulder surgeries.
I hope to design a Ramadan Fair Trade Catalogue of my favourite fair trade gifts to support small marginalised fairtrade artists and producers around the world.
I've attached a few of my best sellers for friends and customers to view below.
I'd love you to comment and share my favourites.
Fairly Traded T-Rex beautifully hand knitted by ladies in China
A little fairtrader enjoying a playful bite of cuddly T-rex
Fairly traded Animal Book lovingly produced by ladies in Bangkok
Fairly traded Animal Book lovingly produced by ladies in Bangkok
Learn To Count Book
Lovingly hand made by ladies in Bangkok
Learn To Count Book
Lovingly hand made by ladies in Bangkok
Blue Octopus hand knitted by ladies in Bangladesh
Blue Octopus hand knitted by ladies in Bangladesh
I hope to write my Fairtrade Ramadan blog soon
This years World Fair Trade Organization campaign was 'Fairtrade Innovates.'
It was a dream come true to finally travel to the country of my parents birth, India.
I arrived in Dehli and was greeted by a beautiful warm evening.
What followed was one of the most memorable weeks of my life.
Despite recovering from two shoulder surgeries and enduring a terrible bout of Dehli belly I proceeded with my magical tour.
I was humbled and privileged to visit two World Fair Trade Certified Organizations, M.E.S.H and Tara Projects.
Many thanks to Mathew K and Ms Moon Sharma for their time, care and hospitality.
Sadly, I was unable to interview Mathew, Ms Jacky Bonnie or the producer groups on this occasion and hope to interview them the next time I visit.
I have attached videos and photographs of my visit below.
Interview with Moon Sharma - Introduction
World Fair Trade Day 2019 Message - Moon Sharma, Tara Projects
What does fairtrade mean to you?
How can consumers purchase fairtrade products
Interview with Moon Sharma extended version
Fairtrade Kya Hai? What is Fairtrade? - Hindi/Urdu
To read my blog about Ms Moon Sharma please click on the link here.
M.E.S.H, Dehli India,
the lovely Tina modelling handwoven scarves
M.E.S.H Dehli India, hand embroidered Kashmiri bags
M.E.S.H Dehli India, hand embroidered towels napkins aprons
To read more about my visit to M.E.S.H please click here
The World Fair Trade Organization had asked fairtrade producers and organisations to send videos of the campaign Fairtrade Innovates.
I've attached a few videos below for you to watch at your leisure.
World Fair Trade Organization Trailer - Fairtrade Innovates
World Fair Trade Day 2019
World Fair Trade Day - Up-cycling
Fairtrade very simply means social and trade justice for all!
Fairtrade is a simple way each one of us can make a difference through our everyday choices.
It’s about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.
Fairtrade aims to enable the poorest farmers and workers to improve their position and have more control over their lives.
On top of the agreed Fairtrade minimum price producers also receive the Fairtrade premium.
How it’s spent is voted on democratically by farmers and workers.
This is development as decided by the people who will benefit from it.
After all, they’re the ones best placed to make it work the hardest. Roads have been laid, nurseries equipped and helpful new tools have been put to work all thanks to the Fairtrade premium.
This month I continued to heal from surgery and
reviewed Facetheory's Acne Range and attended World Pulse Thrive Thursday webinars.
This World Cancer Day 2021 I'd like to share my precious memories of my Amee (mother) Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano and the precious time we shared together when we visited Javed Manzil, Badshahi Mosque and Shalimar Gardens, Lahore, 2012.
I hope my words and videos will encourage other South East Asian Diaspora to talk openly about their loss, grief and bereavement.
Acne does not define you!
For those struggling with acne please be kind to yourself, find your tribe and those who love you and help you to achieve your dreams and ambitions.
This blog is an honest review of the Facetheory Acne Range tried and tested November 2020 to present.