Noah's Ark

India

After witnessing the struggles of Indian artisans, Samuel Masih founded Noah’s Ark in 1986 to establish fair wages, provide safe working environments and to serve as a bridge to the global market for traditional Indian handicrafts. In addition to creating income-generation opportunities, Noah’s Ark is dedicated to providing health and education support to artisans and their families. The organization also empowers artisans through capacity building opportunities. For example, Noah’s Ark funds a project to teach women traditional stitching methods, a movement especially important as the heritage and tradition of handicrafts is increasingly threatened by mass manufacturing. Noah’s Ark also teaches women metalsmithing, a traditionally male-dominated craft, to expand awareness of the practice and to foster a sense of independence.