Handmade and hand painted paper mache ornament. 12.5 cm x 8 cm

Asha, Sanskrit for hope, is a non-profit organization providing market outlets and assistance for 103 producer groups throughout India. Prior to Asha’s formation in 1975, local artisans viewed their situations as hopeless. Their reality consisted of mass poverty, high unemployment and no markets for their products. Today Asha not only supplies these artisans with a market, but also helps the workers through its Welfare Workers program. This program helps artisans develop and share skills, provides educational assistance, aids with medical care, and ensures safe working conditions.