Noah’s Ark was founded by Mr. Samuel Masih from one room of his house in 1986, despite people making fun of his idea, as nobody in Moradabad knew what “Fair Trade” was. The idea came following his previous work experience when Mr. Samuel observed oppression and intimidation amongst the artisans in India. He studied the working terms and conditions of metal crafts men of Moradabad and observed that the big exporters were not treating the artisans fairly. These situations prompted him to create an organization which would treat artisans with honesty and integrity.
Many of the artisans are women who benefit from being able to work at home and maintain their household and chid-raising responsibilities. Noah’s Ark also provides benefits such as education and medical treatment for artisans and their families. As artisan businesses become more self–sufficient, Noah’s Ark takes on new families.
Over the last seventeen years their work has grown a hundredfold, as more and more artisans see what they are doing and want to be a part of it. In addition to their work with the artisans, they formed Noah’s Handicrafts & Welfare Society in 2000 to promote artisan welfare, capacity building, children’s education, and community work.
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