Crafting Hope: Refugees' Journey with MADE51 and The Roots Project

In 2018, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, established MADE51 to provide opportunities for refugees through the handmade sector.

Each year, millions of individuals are compelled to flee their homes due to war, conflict, and persecution, facing the risk of danger or imprisonment if they return. Presently, there are 29.4 million refugees worldwide, with an additional 62.5 million internally displaced within their own countries.

Forced displacement often leaves individuals without homes, communities, or means of livelihood. They frequently find themselves in vulnerable situations, reliant solely on humanitarian assistance for survival.

MADE51 collaborates with organizations supporting refugee and displaced communities, offering them the chance to work and earn a living with dignity as they rebuild their lives. Since 2019, The Roots Project is one such organization partnering with MADE51.

Through our partnership with MADE51, the women of The Roots Project are able to produce thousands of handmade products, which not only offer them a steady source of income but also provide opportunities for them to work and engage in community with one another while meeting their basic needs.

Their collaboration with MADE51 has enabled their work to reach customers in various parts of the world, including Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Germany, the UK, France, and many other countries.

IBU Movement and The Roots Project Design Collaboration

IBU Movement collaborates with women worldwide, harnessing their artistic skills to address poverty and drive impactful change. Their mission centers on broadening market access for female artisans and strengthening their ability to thrive through initiatives such as workspace enhancements and training programs.

Since 2014, The Roots Project has partnered with the Ibu Movement, engaging in various endeavors including product development, capacity building, and the production of customized jewelry pieces. Additionally, their collaboration extends to supporting the High School Scholarship Program 2024, which aids 36 high school students in Juba, South Sudan, on their educational journey.