No 1: SightXchange

Twenty three year old Helena Kazi from Birmingham is a woman with a 20/20 vision. Fresh from completing a Master’s degree in Toxicology, she has wasted no time in setting up SightXchange, a unique, self sustaining social enterprise project which will provide eye care and employment in Bangladesh.
It all started from a visit as a seven year old to her grandfather’s clinic in Kazi Bari, Bangladesh. The extent of the eye problems which plague 1 million people led her to the bright idea. SightXchange will offer cataract operations which cost only £18 yet make a lifetime’s difference, along with extensive training, in return for the production of fairtrade goods and handicrafts,which will then be sold in UK retail outlets.
What sets Helena’s project apart is that it is not simply a charity, but a sustainable vehicle for social regeneration.

Article from Emel magazine, 6 Sept.

A current problem in Bangladesh is the huge factory outlets on borders where workers have to live work and breathe factory life 24/7. What this would provide is small community eye units and small factories in rural areas more local to communities.

As it stands this is a concept and is not in motion yet, however it is a idea that could work internationally. Bangladesh has a colossal amount of man power willing and waiting to earn money for themselves. As stated in the above article it also has a huge problem with cataracts. What the project needs is high street giants to jump onboard - If for instance Top Shop where to sponsor the project and sell a product in their stores it would make it an instant success. It is now seen as 'the thing to do' to purchase fair trade as much as possible, so i think with the right branding i.e communicating the project without being lecturing, and the right product, it this has huge potential to work within western cultures.

The communities would need to be trained how to make a specific product that would work for the market it will be sold in whilst reflecting the Bangoli culture to keep the spirit of the project alive. This is important... it must be a product that would sell regardless of its ethical roots.