Alwaleed Philanthropies, in cooperation with Nest Foundation, supports handicraft and commercial works owned by refugees
Highlights
Project Duration
2020-2021
Beneficiaries
- 5 Businesses owned by refugees were scaled up
- 1,059 people
An accelerator program is being implemented by Alwaleed Philanthropies and Nest to support 5 refugee-owned craft businesses and/or craft businesses that employ recently resettled refugees from the Middle East-North Africa region.
Objectives
Based on our mission of empowering craftsmen and supporting refugees, Alwaleed Philanthropies together with Nest provides the necessary support for 5 Artisan businesses as part of the Artisan Accelerator Refugee Cohort, as follows:
- Support 5 crafts businesses owned by and/or employee refugees.
- Provide skills and professional support for program participants to achieve scale and/or prepare for increased market access.
- Unlock valuable market opportunities for program participants through Nest’s brand and retail sourcing network to empower participants to achieve sustainability.
In partnership with
2021 Accomplishments
First, Sabbara (Lebanon/Syria)
Which aims to empower Syrian women and girls through creativity and community. This business includes 50 artisans, with 5 staff focuses on Fashion Accessories, Home, Textiles Embroidery, and Knitting.
Second, Aleppo Savon (Canada/Syria)
Which was created by a Syrian Refugee Co-founder to manufacture and preserve one of the oldest soaps in the world; (Aleppo Soap). This business which works with 20 Artisans and 3 staff, focuses on producing the most unique, best quality personal use products while making a commitment to help those in need and the environment.
Third, Yadawee (Egypt)
Which aims to help local, and refugee artisans work and produce to improve their living standards and have a decent, sustainable income. It is noteworthy that 50 artisans were trained by Yadawee business which focuses on Fabric textiles for apparel use, Fashion Accessories, Home Textiles, Rugs/floor coverings, and Tabletop. Beading, Glass-working Glass-blowing Printmaking, Rug Weaving.
Fourth, Waste Studio (Lebanon)
This business aims to design a trendy, practical, multi-functional, and everlasting tote bag. They have more than 35 models of colorful, street-smart quality bags, accessories, and home fittings. Furthermore, 30 artisans with 3 staff were best trained to produce Fashion Accessories, Furniture Storage organization, Beading Embroidery Macramé or Crochet, and Sewing.
Fifth, Darzah (USA/Palestine)
Which aims to empower historically marginalized Palestinian women by creating lasting economic opportunities in the West Bank through the celebration of tatreez embroidery. With 26 artisans and 2 staff. Darzah's main products are children’s Products, Fashion Accessories, Home Textiles, and Shoes. Besides, the program has launched Capacity Building programming from July to September, provided up to 300 hours of direct professional support to the Refugee Cohort, and collaborated with fellows and consultants who have an average of 15 years of industry background and experience with businesses like Tory Burch, Calvin Klein, and Helmut Lang.
