Pamiri Handicrafts – Bridging local traditions and modernity is a three months project initiated by the German organisation ASA partnering with the Tajik NGO De Pamiri. ASA has selected Sarah and Katharina as participants to work on the project in the Tajik Pamirs.
ASA
The ASA Program is a development education program based in Germany. Its objective is to strengthen the commitment of young Europeans to fair and sustainable development, based on the respect of human rights and cultural differences.
The ASA-Programm and its partners organize three-month work and study stays for young people from Germany and other European countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and South Eastern Europe. It promotes exchange and learning about our One World through personal experience. ASA offers training seminars for the young European participants and a scholarship for the stay abroad including insurance and a travel allowance.
De Pamiri
The aim of De Pamiri is to promote and protect local culture and at the same time to create additional sources of income for artisans through product marketing and tourism.
De Pamiri is an NGO based in Khorog, Tajikistan. The mission is to facilitate the revival of tradtional folk handicraft and the preservation and development of the specific culture of people living in the Pamirs. On the other hand the organization aims to improve the economic situation of people, especially in the remote areas of the Pamirs, where labour migration to Russia is often seen as the only opportunity to sustain their livelihood.
Besides these marketing efforts De Pamiri is building up an extensive trading network in Tajikistan and Central Asia. The NGO organizes trips to international craft fairs, workshops and trainings for the artisans with the aim of improving product quality and diversity. Recently, De Pamiri has also become active in the tourism sector. The establishment of several homestays create a direct link between tourists and artisans.
Despite its tremendous achievements towards sustainability, De Pamiri is still confronted with a need for an improved business communication strategy and improved product quality and diversity.
Sarah
is a Belgian student currently studying ethnology, geography and Islamic studies in Cologne. Sarah is interested in the perception of traditional handicrafts in the Pamir region.
Katharina
is a German designer who just finished her MA studies in Helsinki, Finland. Katharina is particularly interested in developing Pamiri handicrafts via design.
Shahlo and Sakina
Shahlo (23) and Sakina (20) are studying English at the University of Central Asia. They are helping us during our meetings with artisans and translate Shukni-English.
