Support programme
Empowering Local artisans in São Tomé and Príncipe
Project Outline: Empowering Local Artisans Through Hammock Production in São Tomé and Príncipe
"The Hammock Production Initiative"
Project Overview: This project demonstrates our commitment to support local human resources, particularly women, through the establishment of a hammock production initiative in São Tomé and Príncipe. The hammocks will be crafted using locally sourced materials, providing visitors with a unique, authentic product that embodies the culture of the region. Additionally, the project will explore opportunities to identify and develop new products that resonate with visitors' interests.
Goals:
- Empower Local Women: Provide training and employment opportunities for women in São Tomé and Príncipe, enabling them to develop skills in craftsmanship and entrepreneurship.
- Enhance Local Economy: Strengthen the local economy by creating sustainable income sources through the production and sale of hammocks.
- Promote Cultural Heritage: Celebrate and preserve the traditional crafting techniques of the region, ensuring that the cultural identity of São Tomé and Príncipe is showcased to visitors.
- Increase Product Offerings: Identify and develop additional locally crafted products that appeal to visitors, thereby expanding the travel company's offerings and supporting local artisans.
- Increase Visitor Engagement: Offer travelers a unique experience by allowing them to engage with the local community and learn about the craftsmanship involved in hammock production.
- Build a Positive Brand Image: Reinforce the travel company's commitment to social responsibility, thereby enhancing its reputation among eco-conscious travelers.
Strategies:
- Training Sessions:
- teach local women the skills needed to craft hammocks, emphasizing quality and design.
- Collaborate with local artisans to share traditional techniques.
- Partnerships with Local Organizations:
- Partner with local NGOs and community organizations to identify and recruit participants for the program, ensuring that the initiative aligns with community needs.
- Material Sourcing:
- Establish relationships with local suppliers to source sustainable and eco-friendly materials for hammock production.
- Product Development Sessions:
- Conduct brainstorming sessions with local artisans and community members to identify additional products that could be developed, such as bags, home décor items, or other textile crafts.
- Prototype and test new product ideas to gauge visitor interest.
- Marketing and Sales Strategy:
- Develop a brand for the hammocks and any new products that reflect the cultural heritage of São Tomé and Príncipe.
- Create a dedicated sales platform, both online and at local markets, to increase visibility and sales of the products.
- Visitor Engagement Programs:
- Include hammock-making workshops and product development tours as part of the travel company's itinerary, allowing visitors to participate in the craft process.
Expected Outcomes:
- Skill Development: At least 12 women will gain new skills in hammock production and business management by the end of the project year.
- Increased Income: Participants will earn a sustainable income through the sale of hammocks and any new products developed, contributing to economic stability within their households and the wider community.
- Cultural Preservation: The program will document and promote traditional hammock-making techniques, fostering an appreciation for local craftsmanship among visitors and future generations.
- Expanded Product Range: Identification and successful development of at least three new locally crafted products tailored to visitor interests within the first two years.
- Visitor Participation: An estimated 500 visitors will engage with the hammock initiative through workshops and tours annually, thereby fostering a deeper connection between travelers and the local community.
- Positive Brand Perception: A measurable increase in customer satisfaction and brand loyalty, as well as enhanced social media engagement related to the company's commitment to community support.
Through this initiative, will contribute to the economic development of the population of São Tomé and Príncipe and also enrich the travel experience for visitors, creating a meaningful connection with the local culture while expanding its product offerings.