About HSSS Non-profit Organization

HSSS is a non-profit organization that works for the uplifting and development of underprivileged artisans. It is composed mainly of male artisans, both Hindu and Muslim, who suffer educational, training and health related issues. The hardships that these people go through include physical handicaps, illiteracy, extreme poverty, entrapment in lower castes, lack of knowledge about trade and markets, among others.

The artisans don’t have knowledge of marketing skills and have many barriers to access international trade. However, they are very skilled in making wooden products and are committed to quality, so production is not a problem for them. Therefore, Fair Trade mostly helps them find a market and promote their products.

HSSS respects environmental values by only using Shesham wood from the forest quota given by the government of India (which sells the wood of dead trees). When it comes to the advancement of the people, the organization is taking several steps for the betterment of the artisans. They have created self help groups for the artisans and also organize several exhibitions for promoting their art to increase their market opportunities. Handmade Expressions is proud to have found this group and work directly with it.