Launched in early 2004, Careco Ltd, which has taken over the activities of Craft Aid Rodrigues, has proved a success. This non-governmental organization (NGO), based at Camp-du-Roi, has enabled Rodriguans suffering from physical handicaps to earn a living by selling their own local-made products. One year later, the craft products are known worldwide and orders from hotels and jewellers are increasing. This initiative, explains the general manager of the organization, Mary François, was taken when Rodrigues Island obtained its autonomy.

The members of Careco are very thankful for the work done by their predecessors in Rodrigues. During its two years of existence, Craft Aid gave full priority to handicapped employees and provided them with six months? training. The organization continuously strived to upgrade its operations and sustain financial viability to improve the living standards of its employees.

The responsible officer of the Rodrigues? branch was Paul Draper, a British voluntary, who supervised Careco resource persons when the latter took over the Craft Aid activities. ?The creation of Careco Ltd came from a desire on the part of the local authorities to have a home-based organization whose aim would be to take care of people suffering from physical handicaps,? explains one resource person.

With 70% of its labour force composed of handicapped persons, Careco enables them to be economically active and independent. In the Camp-du-Roi workshop, about 30 persons work on a full-time basis. ?Our employees are registered at the ministry of Labour and we also contribute to the National Pensions Fund,? says Mary François. Careco is a limited company. The profits are thus shared with the workforce or re-invested. After only one year, this NGO has already enabled 22 handicapped persons to enter active life while contributing largely to the island?s economy. The organization has succeeded both on social and economic grounds.

Ever-increasing demand

Its members recently participated in the Millenium Square exhibition at Port-Mathurin, organized by the Small and Medium Industries Development Organization (SMIDO). The aim was to promote craftsmen?s trades. Careco specialises in the making of jewelry and other accessories. To respond to the ever-increasing demand, the organisation imports 20,000 coconuts from Agalega each year. In addition, other products, like salad bowls and some other craft products are made from bone, honey and candlewax. Those running the workshops take the beeswax from Careco?s own hives or from beekeepers. This raw material is then exposed to sunlight to get rid of impurities.

The finished products are sold in the two Careco shops at Camp-du-Roi and Port-Mathurin. These refined products are also exported to Mauritius and can be found in hotels and well-known jewellers? shops. ?Some of the hotels make specific orders for exclusive jewelry,? explains the general manager of Careco Ltd. The NGO?s products are from time to time exported to Europe and Mayotte. ?More and more tourists have learnt about our existence as we have placed pamphlets in the hotels. We have achieved most of our commercial targets,? declares Mary François.