Artisans in Democratic Republic of the Congo have worked in a chaotic
situation of war, corruption and uncertainty. Exporters here face considerable
obstacles, including the most expensive port in Africa. Artisanat et
Developpment is a local nonprofit artisans' organization that provides training
and marketing assistance to Congolese artisans, and ensures that they receive
fair payment for their products. Other artisan benefits include interest-free
loans for workshop construction, wood-drying kilns and other needs. Along with
its export business, Artisanat et Developpment runs a retail store in the capital
city of Kinshasa. Historically craftspeople in Democratic Republic of the Congo
were not respected. Because of these artisans' involvement with Artisanat et
Developpment, they and their families are now more respected. They achieve
dignity through this work.



Artisanat et Developpment was established in 1997 with assistance of Mennonite
Central Committee (MCC), a U.S.-based relief and development organization and
Ten Thousand Villages parent organization. Artisanat et Developpment became
independent in 2007. In 2003 Ten Thousand Villages was temporarily forced to
stop importing from Democratic Republic of the Congo due to local trade
barriers including corruption and lack of infrastructure. But Ten Thousand
Villages buyers continued to work with MCC offices in Democratic Republic of
the Congo and with the director of Artisanat et Developpment to build artisan
capacity. With the Congolese presidential and parliamentary elections held in
2006, Ten Thousand Villages was able to again resume trade with Artisanat et
Developpment.



Ten Thousand Villages purchases wire vehicles, galimotos, masks, thumb pianos,
nativities, and carved accent furniture from Artisanat et Developpment. Ten
Thousand Villages has purchased products from Artisanat et Developpment since
1997.