FairMail

(Français) Uniting for Clean Shores: FairMail Joins UPN Students in Beach Cleaning Initiative

November 13th, 2023

Sorry, this entry is only available in Français.

In a powerful display of community collaboration, students from the Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN) took the lead in organizing a beach cleaning event yesterday to address the increasing presence of plastic waste along the northern Peruvian coastline, and FairMail was proud to stand alongside them in this impactful initiative.

What We Found

The FairMail photographers and the UPN students, combed through the sandy stretches, armed with gloves and bags, collecting an alarming amount of plastic waste. The litter included single-use plastics, discarded bottles, and remnants of packaging that, if left unchecked, could have found their way into the delicate marine ecosystem.

Peru’s Pacific coast faces a growing threat from ocean plastic pollution. The alarming statistics reveal the urgency of collective action: the ICUN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) estimates that approximately 14 million tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans each year, adversely affecting marine life, ecosystems, and human health. What’s wrost is that this number is expected to triple by 2040.

The Pacific coast of Peru, with its rich marine biodiversity, is particularly vulnerable to this crisis. The plastic waste found on our beaches is just a fraction of what lurks beneath the surface, posing severe threats to the marine life that calls these waters home.

FairMail’s Commitment to Sustainable Practices

At FairMail, we believe in the power of collective action to drive positive change. Joining forces with the UNP students in this beach cleaning event aligns with our commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement. The simple act of cleaning the beach serves as a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve our natural resources.

Stay tuned for more updates on our environmental initiatives and community engagement efforts. Let’s keep our beaches clean and our oceans thriving!

Tags: huanchaco, Peru
Posted in FairMail | No Comments »

Volunteering in FairMail: Victor tells us what is like!

November 15th, 2021

Hi Victor, tell us something about yourself.

My name is Victor, I’m 25 years old and I’m from Paris. I study Political Science at the UPEC (University Paris-Est Créteil). There are two things that I am very passionate about: helping others and learning more about Latin American.

How did you get to know FairMail and why did you choose to volunteer with us?

I’ve learned about FairMail from a web page of my university that promotes volunteer opportunities abroad and since I’ve always wanted to travel to Latin America, it seemed to be the perfect match, as I really love working with young people.

What were your tasks in FairMail?

I was a content creator for FairMail social media, so I took a lot of pictures and recorded a lot of videos, I was also in charge of all the ice-breaking activities and games that we normally play at the beginning of every photography session and of course, I was always around when the photographers needed help to set up their working stations and take their pictures.

What did you like the most about your volunteering experience in Peru?

Well, you need to believe me when I say that it was without any doubt the most incredible experience of my entire life. There are so many things that I liked but what I treasure the most is the relationship with the photographers. I feel like they are my younger siblings now and I really liked how different their personalities are.
I also loved the hike to Cerro Cabras and the 2-day trip to Pacasmayo, they were both great bonding experiences, it was very fun to spend time with the photographers outside the school.

Was it difficult to establish a relationship with them?

Not at all. We clicked since the very first day, I think my outgoing personality and the fact that I had some Spanish helped, they really welcomed me with open hearts, and I’ve felt part of the family since the very beginning.

How was your life in Huanchaco outside FairMail?

It was fantastic! Thanks to the fact that Huanchaco is home to a lot of organizations and associations that host volunteers from all over the world, I’ve met so many people! I’ve also become friends with local people and that’s what I’ve liked the most because it really helped me gain a better perspective of the Peruvian culture. Peruvian people are very easy-going so it’s really easy to get to know them!

What would you say to future FairMail volunteers? What can they expect from this experience?

I would tell them that they are going to meet incredible kids and that they are going to make a tangible difference in their lives. I would tell them that this experience will change their lives forever and that they are going to fall completely in love with Peru, which is an amazing country.

Don’t hesitate to apply as a volunteer, you won’t regret it!

Posted in FairMail | No Comments »

FairMail manager and former photographer Anidela has graduated!

May 11th, 2021

A major achievement for her and an endless source of pride for FairMail

Anidela joined FairMail in 2011 when she was 13 old. After retiring as a photographer, she applied for the position of FairMail Operational Manager in Peru and she has been working in this position ever since. Parallel to her commitment in FairMail, Anidela has never ceased to pursue her number 1 goal which was graduating from university. With a research thesis on the working conditions of the employees of a medium-size Peruvian agricultural company, on April 14, 2021, she graduated from the faculty of Administración de Empresas y Servicios (Business Administration) at the Universidad Privada “Leonardo da Vinci”. After 5 years and over 50 exams, her dream came true. We interviewed Anidela about her achievement and this is what she told us:

Anidela, why did you choose Business Administration?
At first, I was more interested in Accounting. In High School I was particularly good with numbers so I thought that Accounting would match my talent with numbers. Then I met an employee of the company where my father works, and she inspired me to pursue a career in Business Administration. I am very happy with my choice now because Business Administration has a more comprehensive curriculum that also includes human resources, occupational health and salary management, so I have more chances to find a job.

You have reached a major life goal; how do you feel about that?
I couldn’t be happier. The day of the presentation of my thesis I was very nervous, I hadn’t been able to sleep and eat properly for a week! Due to Covid restrictions, the presentation was online, and I decided to present my research from the FairMail office because the internet connection in my house is not always reliable and I didn’t want to take any risks. Fortunately, all went well! I am also particularly proud of the fact that, thanks to my proceeds from FairMail, I was able to finance my studies alone, without impacting the family budget. I’ve always been independent and that is a priceless feeling.

How does your family feel about you graduating?
They are very proud of me. I am the first in my family to graduate, which makes them very happy. I am very lucky because they have always supported my choice and I have always felt that they were on my side throughout these years.

What role did FairMail play in your education?
I always think that if it hadn’t been for FairMail I wouldn’t have enrolled at university, let alone graduate. When I was a photographer, I kept reminding myself that if I worked well and took good pictures, I would have more chances to sell them and I would earn more money to pay for my studies, and that’s what happened. My family couldn’t afford to cover the costs of my studies as my older sister was also studying at that time, so FairMail played an instrumental role in my education.

Any plans for the future?
Well…a lot! First of all, I plan to keep working as FairMail operational manager, it’s a job that I really like and that gives me financial stability, which is very important considering the times we’re living in. When things improve, I would like to look for a part-time job in Business Administration. My long-term goal is to set up my own chocolate candy business. This is something that I have been doing informally for many years now and I would like to turn it into a small side business.

Anidela’s achievement is FairMail’s achievement as she perfectly embodies our mission: promoting education as the driving force to social and economic empowerment so we couldn’t be happier to see her reach this milestone.

Congratulations, Anidela, you have made us all very happy and proud!

Tags: dream, education, goal, graduation, mission, school, study
Posted in FairMail, Peru | No Comments »

A Covid-19 update from our community

October 18th, 2020

The past months have surely been among the most challenging times in the history of FairMail as a social enterprise, but most of all as a family.

Despite one of the earliest and strictest lockdowns in Latin America, the deep inequality of Peru’s health system, high levels of informal economic activity, and corruption have contributed to a massive loss of life and a severe economic crisis that will have repercussions for years ahead.

Daily reported cases fell in June and July to rise again in August to a point that a second lockdown was issued on August 29.
To comply with the restrictions imposed by the government FairMail stopped its activities for about 5 months and re-opened its doors in July and August. During the lockdown we maintained constant contact with the photographers and their families, and thanks to the generosity of many of you, we offered our support in the form of recurring donations of food and money throughout the quarantine.
Several family members of the photographers have contracted the virus and one of them has unfortunately passed away.

Going back to classes in the months of July and August required a complete readjustment in the way we carry out our photography sessions. The photographers were split into 3 small groups to limit exposure during classes, they came to the office with private cars instead of public transport, they always wore face masks and they disinfected every working station and object after use.

Despite the restrictions, the photographers have shown a great deal of enthusiasm, motivation and creativity and the result is an astounding collection of Christmas pictures that you can see here.

None of this would have been possible without the amazing work of our two local managers Angeles and Anidela, their great organizational and communication skills made it possible for FairMail to go through this harsh time.

Now we are back, and we really want to make up for all the time we have lost. We’re ready to create new memories and new fantastic pictures!

Tags: impact, Peru, Photographers, photography
Posted in FairMail | No Comments »

FairMail and FairTrade Scotland announce partnership

April 27th, 2020

Life can be full of surprises. What if we tell you that everything happened by pure chance? FairMail director Federica was in line at Lima airport to board her plane back to Italy when she met Fair Trade Scotland Director Eve Broadis. The two stood in line for 15 minutes together and the idea of joining forces was born.

Staring from April 1, Fair Trade Scotland will be distributing FairMail cards in Scotland. We are currently working on a pioneering project to sell cards in corporation offices and stores.

We are particularly proud of this collaboration because both FairMail and Fair Trade Scotland are WFTO members, which is a consumer guarantee that the two companies are committed to the 10 WFTO Fair Trade Principles.

In addition, being the cards published by the UK non-profit organization Love from the Artist, we guarantee a fair and ethical chain from producer to consumer.

As FairTrade Scotland director Eve Broadis says: “ The COVID-19 crisis represents a unique historical moment for us to practice solidarity in our day-to-day activities and create the world we want to live in. Now too is the time to make strong demands that our communities receive the resources they need to thrive beyond this crisis and move collectively toward the more fair, just world we want to see.”

We like to think of our partnership as a seed that is being planted in the midst of a storm and we can’t wait to see the fruit it will bear.

If you are a Scottish enterprise or store and are interested in supporting the FairMail teenagers and becoming part of our Scottish community of fair-trade enthusiasts, don’t hesitate to contact us at eve.broadis@fairtradescotland.co.uk or info@fairmail.info, we’ll be happy to provide you with all information you might need.

Tags: Cards, partnership, retail, sales, Scotland, shops, stores, UK
Posted in FairMail, Peru | No Comments »

When a pandemic hits the lower rungs of society

April 20th, 2020

What FairMail is doing and how you can support FairMail teenagers’ families

It was clearly just a matter of time before COVID-19 spread to South America and Peru.
On Monday March 16, President Vizcarra has addressed the nation declaring the state of emergency and implementing a set of preventive measures to avoid the spread of the virus.
In line with the decisions taken by the government, FairMail classes have been suspended until April 26. The FairMail photographers are spending the quarantine at home with their families.
To fight boredom and create a sense of continuity with their normal class routine, we have tasked them with DIY projects and home photo sessions.

After almost a month in lock-down we couldn’t help but notice that if, on the one hand technology is bringing us together, nurturing a sense of global community and solidarity, on the other, the spread of a pandemic disease widens social and economic disparities.
Our limited but first-hand experience with the families of the FairMail teenagers is showing us that low income-families are the ones who are suffering, and will suffer, the greatest repercussions.
The parents of the FairMail teenagers either run small family businesses or are employed informally, which means that they live day by day and do not benefit from any state subsidies.
Because of the quarantine, they had to suspend all their activities, which, simply put, means no income for the weeks to come.

To support them in this critical time, FairMail is releasing emergency food funds to make sure that the families have enough to eat and it continues to release health funds to the photographers and their direct family members.

Since the beginning of lockdown, FairMail card sales have dropped dramatically as our main retail and online sale channels across Europe have been temporarily closed.

If you want to show your support to our teenagers and their families in this critical time, you can either purchase FairMail cards on our Web Shop, on Love from the Artist or make a donation (every little amount counts) directly to the food fund of the teenagers – contact us at info@fairmail.info.

If it is true, as they say, that you need to step back, before you leap forward, we want to live this time as a time to reconnect with each other and with the people we love, a time for new ideas to be born and for energies to be restored.
We’ll be back, as loud and creative as ever!

Tags: Cards, FairMail, pandemic, Peru
Posted in FairMail, Peru | No Comments »

Julissa and Kzannier: chronicles from a European tour

July 1st, 2019

As many of you probably already know, Julissa and Kzannier visited Germany and Italy for 3 weeks in April and May. This trip was part of the biennial tours that FairMail organizes in Europe to promote our activities and raise awareness of our mission.

We were overwhelmed by the hospitality, the kindness and the generosity of the people we met, which all contributed to make this trip truly special for Julissa and Kzannier.

The photographers did an excellent job as FairMail Ambassadors, they for sure stepped outside their comfort zone multiple times and they perfectly lived up to their role.

In Germany they met the students and the teachers of the Evangelische Hochschule in Ludwigsburg and the EBC Hochschule University of Hamburg, two great opportunities to discuss the impact that FairMail has on the teenage photographers and their families and to spread the word on volunteering vacancies. They promoted FairMail at the fair-trade “Fair Handeln” in Stuttgart and visited our German publisher Goldbek in Hamburg, where they gained precious insights on the German greeting card market. You should have seen their faces when they saw for the first time their cards on sale in the Weltladen store in Ludwigsburg, they just couldn’t believe it! It was for them an incredible recognition for their talent and hard work.

In Italy, they participated in a photo workshop at Reflex Tribe, a prestigious photo school in Turin, they led a photo contest in EISWORLD – an ICT company that has been supporting FairMail for 3 years now. They met with the staff of Advice Group, which largely contributed to the trip, they went on a hike on the Alps with outdoor photographer Simone Cocco, they took pictures at the fair-trade fashion show organized by the Italian fair-trade network Altromercato. They also had the opportunity to help the 4 renowned Italian photojournalists from Collettivo X set up their photo exhibition and present FairMail at the inauguration of the show. They also visited printing house Tipografia Commerciale to learn how the card printing process works.

However, as much as their role in Europe was demanding, their biggest responsibility was to share with the rest of the photographers everything that they have learned, so that they could all benefit from this experience and grow as photographers.

This trip couldn’t have been possible without the generosity of all the people who contributed to the cause, so from the deepest of our hearts, we thank you and we are forever grateful!

Posted in FairMail | No Comments »

Celebrating Women Leaders in the WFTO community

March 8th, 2019

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, and inspired by the WFTO campaign on #womenleaders, we interviewed FairMail Peruvian managers Anidela Rios Pizan (21) and Angeles Acevedo Bobadilla (22) to gain a better insight of what being a young woman leader in Peru really means. As a women-owned and led social enterprise, we are committed to the principle of gender equality and women empowerment and with this interview we want to celebrate all women worldwide in decision making and managerial positions within the WFTO community.

What are you proud of about your work?

Angeles: I’m proud about a lot of things but If I had to pick one, I’d say that I really like when the FairMail photographers come to me for advice. In those moments I realize that the relationships we build go behind the manager-photographer dynamic and it’s more like a relationship between friends. It makes me feel special that they see me as someone they can trust and rely on and this motivates me to be a good role model and the best possible version of myself.

Anidela: I feel particularly proud when I’m helping the photographers turn their photo ideas into beautiful images. I really like to be part of this creative process: choosing the props, the background, the lights and everything. And the best part is when we look back at the first images they took and realize the progress they’ve made.

What was your situation before you started working for Fair Trade?

Angeles: I remember I was a bit lost, because I had just failed an entry test at university, and I didn’t really know what do next. I figured that I would stay at home, helping my mother out and give myself some time to reconsider my future plans. I didn’t really have anything solid on my hands.

Anidela: I was studying (and still am) Business Management at the university of Trujillo and I had a part-time job selling meals at the bus terminal with my aunt. I’ve never complained about the job, but I knew I could do more.

How has working here changed impacted your life/ your family/ your community?

Angeles: working for FairMail has significantly contributed to my personal growth and helped me realize what I want to do with my life. I have learned how to run a small enterprise, and this makes me feel more confident about my skills and potential. I am now more aware of what I can achieve in life. Economically speaking I can now support myself and my family and I love the feeling of being free to decide how I want to invest my money for my future. I can pay for my studies knowing that I’m not being a burden for my family.

Anidela: On a personal level I feel more confident and responsible. I’m using what I’ve learned in FairMail to give advice to my sisters and help them make better choices for their lives. I was particularly happy when a professor of mine from university congratulated me on my achievement as a FairMail manager. I also love the fact that I can support my family and my sisters, and it makes me feel really happy to know that my parents are very proud of me.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

Angeles: I want to get my English certification and start university in August. I’m also saving money for my 2020 trip to Europe!

Anidela: At an educational level, I want to graduate on time and start taking English classes. At a professional level I want to create a webpage for my chocolate-making business and at a personal level, I want to buy myself a camera and keep taking pictures!

What are the challenges you are facing being a woman leader?

Angeles: In FairMail, I’ve never had any problem for being a woman, in fact I think that being a woman brings me closer to the teenage photographers. Outside FairMail, it sometimes happens that people don’t take me seriously because they see me as young and unexperienced. What bothers me the most is that they think they know how to do my job better than me and it’s always frustrating to have to prove them wrong.

Anidela: my experience is very similar to Angeles’. Some of the people we deal with outside FairMail find it difficult to accept that a young woman can be in charge of an enterprise and they simply don’t take me seriously. I always have to make twice the effort to gain their trust first, and then to be listened.

What’s your message to other women?

Angeles: To other women in decision making positions, I’d say be honest to yourself and to others. Never let diminishing remarks question how much you value and find your way to be independent so that no one can stop you from shaping your own future. Last but not least, I would say never stop learning, it’s the only way to keep growing and improving.

Anidela: Never be afraid to show who you really are and what you are capable of achieving. Never feel lesser than your male counterparts and don’t let people underestimate you.

Tags: empowerment, Fairtrade, growth, International Women's Day, IWD, social impact, wfto, womenleaders
Posted in FairMail, Peru | No Comments »

FairMail recruiting process – how does it work?

January 16th, 2019

Three new photographers have recently joined FairMail – you’ll get to know them soon! – and one of the questions that we are most frequently asked is about the recruiting process. How does it work? Where do we take the photographers? How do we decide who enters FairMail? With this blog post we’ll walk you through the entire process to become a FairMail photographer.

Whenever one of the older photographers turn 19, they leave FairMail and therefore there is a vacancy to be filled. We normally work with 10 teenagers, although there are times when we have more and times when we have less.

We collaborate with local NGOs and associations that recommend us boys and girls that might fit well in FairMail: motivated, respectful and willing to learn. Having photography skills is not a requirement.

Once we have our choice of prospect photographers, we train them for a period of time that can range between one and two months. The training consists in free photography classes where they learn the basics of photography and they start familiarizing with their cameras.

At the end of the training period the prospect photographers take a theory and a practical test that help us realize how much they have learned. The result of test, combined with an assessment of their attitude and personality give us a clear picture of who can become a FairMail photographer.

When the decision is made, the new photographers, together with their families, are introduced to FairMail and they sign the contract that will rule their participation in the company. From this moment on, they embark on a journey of personal and professional growth that will hopefully help them become the adult they want to be.

Tags: Peru, Photographers
Posted in FairMail, Peru | No Comments »