Wednesday 12 October 2011

Venturing in the World of Volunteering - Il-Hanut L-Arka

This is the first of a three part series of articles written by Lindsay Fenech following her experience in three different voluntary organisations. These articles serve to explain the details of her experience within The Fair Trade Shop (L-Arka), Funny Farm - Horse Rescue Association and The Island Sanctuary.


Il-Hanut L-Arka - Kooperativa Kummerc Gust.

Il-Hanut Arka, which is located in St. Paul’s Street, Valletta, is a shop run by Koperattiva Kummerc Gust, which its main goal is to promote fairness and equality between producers and consumers. The term ‘Equality’ defines a situation where everyone is treated the same and no preferences or exploitations are made. The producers of the items sold in the shop are offered better trading terms and conditions. These producers are found in various countries like Indonesia and India. These produce different kinds of commodities. In fact, in the shop one can find both food items and decorations.

The Fair Trade tries to reduce abuses made on these people by large firms, which their only concern is to make abnormal profits. The people who run the shop give a huge importance to human rights, which help poor people from being exploited. They keep track of different producers so that they won’t be taken advantage of. The Fair Trade works with various producers for example the EMA (Equitable Marketing Association) which is found in India. All the principles of a democratic society are valued in this shop.

Many volunteers help in the shop. The shop opens from 9.30 am to 1.00pm and from 4.30pm to 6.30 on the weekdays. However, on Saturday it only opens from 9.30 am till 1.00pm. The shop is always very busy especially in the mornings. Many people visit the shop because the goods sold are very original and unique. A lot of tourists visit the shop to buy gifts. Usually only one volunteer stays in the shop. Apart from selling things to the clients, the volunteer must also rearrange the items on the shelves and the shop window.



I personally suggest that volunteering with il-Hanut Arka is an amazing experience. I spent approximately 9 hours working with the shop and I really enjoyed it. I got to meet new people and the other volunteers were really friendly. Since I was working for a good cause, the experience was really satisfying. It also made feel really appreciated and help me widen my knowledge. I got to learn more about different cultures. I also realised that I should put more into consideration those who are ‘less fortunate’.


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