We met the good folk at BKAD through our friends at YRM in early 2016. BKAD was originally set-up by the government as one of a number of small micro-finance organisations, which were required to become independent after 3 years of government support. BKAD is the only one still operating in Sumba, a testimony to their managerial skills and commitment to the task. BKAD provides loans to 300 or so weaving groups and supports them further by creating a fair-trade market for their products and providing training to improve their businesses. We love BKAD's long-term view of community-change and their firm belief that the improvement of Sumbanese life does not need to mean the loss of their culture and traditions.
We're currently partnering with BKAD to provide training programs to their weaving groups and the wider community.
