A tea worker picking the spring harvest. Photo: Yisheng Organic PhotographerFairtrade Certified in 2007,the Xuan En Yisheng Tea Cooperative has over 1200 members. Xuan En is one of the most impoverished areas in central China. Before the Fairtrade certified cooperative was established, the local hospital was underfunded and rundown, and the nearest hospital was over two hours absent by car and many farmers achieve not have access to transportation. Even though the doctors there are committed and tough working,the facilities if at the hospital were not sufficient for the needs of the patients; the building was so old, the roof would leak when it rained and it was tough to keep up basic sanitation. There were also insufficient funds to supply basic drugs and treatments. With the help of Fairtrade Social Premiums the local villagers were able to build a current hospital, and which also provoked the local government to match this funding. With the combined funds from Fairtrade Social Premiums and the local government they were not only able to rebuild the hospital but also build a current clinic within the village. Now the all local villagers (including those outside the Fairtrade cooperative) are able to find basic care & medications which has especially helped the elderly.
The cooperative also provides financial support for the growing number of students from the impoverished families. Despite being one of the poorest areas in China,the villagers are proud of the fact that they have made their local community a better status through their own tough work via Fairtrade Social Premiums.
Source: tumblr.com