Dignified work

The tranquil, natural environment of the Friendship Centre overlooking a large fishpond, with neighbouring bamboo forest and rice fields, provides a calming place to work.

There is dignity to be found in creative pursuits and Hands of Hope fosters such creativity.

For twenty-one years, participants have been encouraged to design their own products and feel proud of the feedback received and resulting orders. The range is extensive.

​The producers are each involved directly with production but also take on other roles of designing, packing and sending boxes. In previous years, where a producer would specialise in a particular line of products, with a reduced number of producers after the Covid years,  production has become very much more of a team effort.

Fair wage

A seven-hour working day is the norm with production beginning after morning meditation. A meal is shared at noon and the producers have time to relax. 

Wages are paid by the day, with paid time given to attend hospital appointments.

In former years, transportation was provided from the villages by the staff of the Outreach Programme but with a reduced number, all come on motorcycles and receive a weekly petrol allowance on top of their wage.

​An end of month bonus is paid into a ‘retirement’ fund  and a generous end of year bonus is received by all participants. A monetary birthday gift is also given.

A commission for every product sold, is paid to the designers at year’s end. In 2024, 7 current members and 12 past members, received such bonuses.

Orders welcome

To ensure project sustainability and continuous work for the producers, orders are needed throughout the year. We can send anywhere in the world and welcome new outlets. Should you wish to purchase products for personal use or in order to sell them yourself through a market stall, church sale or craft shop, we are happy to fill your order.

All products shown on our website are at wholesale price and do not require any minimum amount. Shipping is extra and is determined by weight. We can provide an estimation of this cost at the timeof ordering, if requested.​

Additional activity

During Covid, the project faced many challengeds, not being able to send orders abroad for many months. Alternative ways of generating income had to be found. 

As Hands of Hope looks over a large pond that has water all year round, it was decided to start raising tilapia for local sale. With the help of donors, a floating pier was constructed and the group made fish cages from netting, pvc pipes and barrels. Fingerlings were purchased and the fish raising project was begun. The pier was extended twice and continuous stock was bought to ensure a constant supply of fish for selling fresh and dried. Now, new fingerlings are caught from the pond itself and the project continues successfully.​

Building community

The community aspect of this programme is so important. The participants have friends with whom to share their concerns and their joys.  The participants also have the opportunity to join  with the Garden of Friendship community for celebrations and special events held throughout the year. 

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The Good Shepherd Outreach Staff monitor the health of our producers and accompany them to medical appointments when necessary. Anti-retroviral medicine is indeed necessary for prolonging life, but without dignified employment and daily social support, it cannot give quality and purpose to those living with HIV. Hands of Hope does exactly that.