XSProject has always prided itself on its connection to local schools. First and foremost, are the relationships that we use to ensure that the trashpicker children we support are getting an education. But we also have links to international schools in Indonesia and Singapore that bring even more value to the poor communities with which we work.
This year, our relationship with the Jakarta International School (JIS) moved to a new level. The school ordered almost 1,500 laptop sleeves, for their “One Child, One Computer” program. The idea was so great that the Singapore American School decided to order iPad sleeves and specially designed laptop sleeves for their school.
When the students at these schools receive their XS products, they learn about the trash-picker communities that supply some of the waste material. Often they want to help. One way the international students have provided assistance is through their Boy Scout troop. In the past, a small team of scouts paid for the materials and built new carts for five trash pickers. This year, the Boy Scouts built a much needed bathroom and toilet for the community.
The engagement with schools builds a virtuous circle. XS benefits through increased sales. The trash picker communities benefit from both XS’ support as well as that from the international students. And the international students learn more about their community and the benefits of giving.
We did it!! Just before the close of 2011, XSProject received notice that the organization had been admitted to the WFTO Asia. WFTO Asia is a regional chapter of the World Fair Trade Organization, the global leader in certifying local producers as adherents to Fair Trade standards. The process of being accepted as a member is rigorous. XS spent months filling out paperwork to demonstrate the commitment of our business to our employees, customers, and the local community. Once our documents received initial approval, the WFTO Asia sent a staff member to our offices to conduct a site vist. The results of that process went back to the WFTO Asia board for review. From the time we started the process in March 2011 until we received notice of acceptance spanned almost 9 months!
Getting WFTO certification is a huge achievement for XS. Although we have always known that we provided an above average wage, took great care with everyone associated with our business, and showed a strong commitment to our local community, it was great to get confirmation from as recognized a body as the WFTO.
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A little over two years ago, when I started working with XSProject, the organization was close to going out of business. The non-profit was being run primarily by volunteers, product sales were not covering expenses, and there were limited prospects for new revenue. The situation was dire.
Thanks to the contributions of GlobalGiving philanthropists and the dedication of the team on the ground in Indonesia, we have been able to turn the situation around. I am happy to say that today XSProject is run by a team of full-time, paid staff that are all Indonesians. Many of the staff come from the local communities. Our sales have increased substantially, which means more work for our sewers - most of whom rely on this income stream for the livelihoods of themselves and their families. The increased revenue means that XSProject is even closer to achieving its goal of full financial sustainability - even though we are not there yet. In addition, we streamlined the social programs that XSProject was involved in to focus exclusively on the education of trash picker children. This created overall efficiencies at the organization that resulted in a broader base of innovative products, and the removal of more waste from landfill. XSProject is in a very different position today, than it was 2 years ago.
As of January 1, 2012, another transition will occur. I will be stepping aside as the Executive Director, and Retno Hapsari, the Operations Manager in Indonesia, will move into a General Manager role. Going forward, she will be driving not only the day-to-day operations for XSProject, but the overall business. This is a great achievement for XSProject because never before has the organization been managed and run exclusively by the local team. Retno and I have been working closely together over the past year to prepare her for this role. She is a talented, dedicated professional and I have confidence that she will excel in her new position. I will continue to be available to her whenever she needs help or support, although I am sure that will diminish over time.
In mid-to-late January, we will also be releasing our Winter 2012 catalogues, which will introduce some new products along with our classics. Be sure to check it out in the Products section of our website (www.xstransformed.org). A few pictures are attached to whet your appetite.
We appreciate and thank you for your continued support. I look forward to great things for XSProject.
