Thanapara Swallows is located in a rural village in the Northwestern part of Bangladesh on the riverbank Padma (Ganges). During the liberation war in 1971, this quiet and peaceful village was forever changed.
History:
On April 13, the Pakistani Army suddenly invaded the village and killed over 100 men. This massacre was the largest wartime atrocity in the Rajshahi District. In 1973, a Swedish organization called “The Swallows” began a relief program providing aid to the people of Thanapara and named the association: The Swallows Association for Social Voluntary Service. The Handicraft unit began in 1974 and became a registered NGO by 1999.
Growth & Community Development:
Currently, Swallows employs over 250 men and women from the local village. The Producers are highly skilled in hand weaving, pattern drafting, garment construction and design. In addition to the handicraft unit, which is their largest program, Thanapara Swallows overseas several other projects in the community including: a primary school, a daycare, programs in agricultural development, village development offering micro-credit, domestic violence awareness and legal services.
You can learn more on their website: http://thanaparaswallows.org/index.php
Our Partnership:
Azadi Project is privileged to work with such a dynamic and talented group of people. Not only do the artisans and producers at Swallows produce high quality, detailed oriented garments, but they are also leaders in social and community development. We hope this partner relationship helps Swallows to continue doing this amazing work .