HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1977-03-30, Page 6Page 6
Citizens News, March 30, 1977
Zurich couple host
man from Bangladesh
In Bangladesh making craft
items isn't just something people
do in their leisure time. Han-
dicraft production has a double
value—it provides both an im-
portant export possiblity and
employment opportunities that
require skilled people rather than
machines.
Ruslan A, Gani nods his head
vigorously as he makes his point
about why handicrafts are im-
portant in his country,
Bangladesh, Gani, who arrived in
Canada one month ago, is
spending three months here
studying handicrafts marketing
and distribution. He has already
spent several months in the
United States. Sponsored by the
Mennonite Central Committee,
Gani is working directly with
Self -Help Director Gerry
Gingerich in Zurich.
"I think I can be a real help to
my country," Gani says, ex-
plaining why he wanted to come
to North America. "I will be able
to compare our products with
those from other countries and
will also be able to study how our
products are marketed in foreign
countries." By learning about
handicraft products from other
countries, Gani says he will be
able both to understand more of
their cultural background and to
know where Bangladeshi
products stand in relation to the
total market.
Product diversification is also
important to Gani. "I want to see
what new items our producers
can make," he says. "I'd also like
to test the behavior of North
Americans to see why they have
a special fascinaion for certain
items."
Jute and jute products are
major export items from
Bangladesh. "Our jute is possibly
the best in the world," Gani says,
" and so our jute products are of
very high quality." As important
economically as the export value
of jute and other handicraft
items, however, is the fact their
production provides a source of
income for many persons who
otherwise would have no em-
ployment.
Handicraft production is
especially important as a source
of income for women in a culture
where women traditionally
remain in their own compounds.
"Handicraft production helps
women's groups to participate in
society as well," Gani notes.
Basic needs such as food,
clothing and shelter are not met
for many people in Bangladesh,
Gani says. "But it is better to
employ these needy people than
just giving them relief," he adds,
"That way there is a kind of give
and take."
Gani received a masters
degree with a specialization in
marketing from the Institute of
Business Administration at the
University of Dacca. While he
was still a student he went to
MCC country representative
Paul Myers to explore job
possibilities. Myers sent him to
Harley Snyder, who was then
working for Christian
Organization for Relief and
Rehabilitation (CORR).
Although he was not able to talk
to Snyder until much later, Gani
kept himself busy. After com-
pleting his studies he held two
consultancy jobs before begin-
ning a three-month stint with
Ford Foundation, He has also
worked for the Agrani Bank and
as director of an import-export
business for local supplies.
While working part time with
CORR, he did a feasibility report
on ceramics products. Then,
through discussions with Snyder
and Myers, it was decided that
Gani would be sent for six
months' training overseas if he
would work at a job in han-
dicrafts for at least two years
after returning to Bangladesh.
"I looked around at charitable,
non-profit organizations and
finally I was accepted for a full-
time position with CORR," Gani
says. Then he had a long wait
while letters went back and forth
between Bangladesh and North
America and final arrangements
were made.
During this time, Gani became
acquainted with a number of
MCCers in the country while he
was doing a feasibility study on
wheat -straw cards. The wheat -
straw cards are produced in a
handicraft program sponsored by
MCC in Mirpur, a poor suburb of
Dacca, the capital city. The study
involved preparing a question-
naire, doing a field investigation
and interpreting the data.
Gani feels his training in North
America will be a good ex-
perience for him,
"Traveling is something apart
from book knowledge," he
smiles. "It enhances your
knowledge and gives you a much
broader view."
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The Times -Advocate
wishes to make
apologies for any
misunderstanding or
inconvenience due to the
wrong price in the
Hensall Coop ad of
March 24, 1977. The ad
should have read as
below.
i e Q. eter ine ;Ubuocafe
HANDICRAFTS FROM BANGLADESH — Left to right, Ruslan Gani of Bangladesh along with Pearl and
Gerry Gingerich show some of the handicrafts from his country imported by Self -Help Associates Directors
such as Mr. Gingerich. Mr. Gani is staying with the Gingerich's in Zurich for several months to learn the
marketing and distributing services offered in Canada for such products. photo by McKinley
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