Aid Through Trade.

The fair trade movement has its roots in ending the exploitation of the poor. It generally requires that approximately 5% of the wholesale purchase price is spent on community projects. ‘Aid through Trade’ operates in a completely different sphere.

Aid Through Trade, exists only when the fundamental motivation for establishing a trade link is to provide finance for aid and opportunities for development in remote areas. Ideally, this will involve the training of people within the recipient population so that an underutilised resource can access market - essentially it is a free trade link at the micro level.

In the case of Sumatera Oil, the Hinako Island coconut oil factory was established through LEAP as the primary ongoing aid provider, with partners Feel The Love (now FTL Trading), Swiss Contact and Ken Atley Foundation providing the initial finance.

The Hinako Factory called Fanikah Hinako donates 30% of their profit to funding the LEAP learning centres on Hinako and Asu Inalnds. Sumatera Oil donate 100% of their profits to LEAP. More than just eliminating exploitation Sumatera Oil empowers through training and opportunity, and generously helps those in need through LEAP projects. These include:

School scholarships
Wage supplements for teachers
Kids Clubs onHinako and Asu islands
Fuel donational to local transport vessels
Medical clinics with volunteer doctors
Installation of community water pumps
Emergency assistance in Jogjokarta following earthquake
Jetty rebuilding following Nias earthquake
Health and hygiene awareness among women and children
Assisting Pondok Rahmat Childrens home
Organic gardens and training in permaculture for women
Malaria education
Fibre canoes

For more information visit www.leapin.org