Mon Ami Foundation - Blogs #craft collaborationMon Ami Foundation - Blogs #craft collaborationhttps://www.monamifoundation.com/blogs/tag/craft-collaborationWed, 08 Apr 2026 21:17:29 +0530http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Internships in Social Organizations: Building Empathy and Perspective]]>https://www.monamifoundation.com/blogs/post/internships-in-social-organizations-building-empathy-and-perspectiveInternships in social organizations nurture empathy, cultural sensitivity, and problem‑solving in students while offering enterprises youthful innovation, bridging gaps, and strengthening artisan communities through sustainable, impactful collaboration.]]>
Internships in Social Organizations

Internships are often seen as stepping stones into corporate careers, but their role in social organizations is equally vital. College students should be encouraged to spend at least 4–6 weeks interning with social enterprises. This experience not only broadens their understanding of the sector but also nurtures empathy—an essential quality for future leaders.

For students, such internships provide exposure to grassroots realities. They learn how social enterprises tackle challenges like sustainability, livelihood creation, and community empowerment. Unlike classroom lessons, these experiences are immersive, teaching adaptability, problem‑solving, and cultural sensitivity. Students return with a deeper appreciation of social impact and a stronger sense of responsibility toward society.

For the enterprises, the benefits are equally significant. Many social organizations operate with limited resources and cannot afford to hire young graduates full‑time. Interns bring fresh perspectives, digital skills, and innovative ideas that help bridge generational and demographic gaps. Their energy and curiosity often spark creative solutions, while their presence strengthens the organization’s connection to younger audiences.

At CraftsAQ, we have been actively encouraging such internships. By connecting students with artisans supported by the Mon Ami Foundation, we create opportunities for them to witness firsthand the resilience, creativity, and individuality of craft communities. This exposure not only enriches students’ learning but also deepens their empathy for artisans whose livelihoods depend on sustainable growth and fair opportunities. It is a powerful way to blend youthful innovation with traditional wisdom.

Educational institutions play a pivotal role in making this connection possible. By integrating social internships into academic programs, colleges can encourage students to step outside conventional career paths. When universities champion these initiatives, they create a culture where social responsibility is valued alongside academic excellence.

In essence, internships in social organizations foster a symbiotic relationship—students gain empathy and practical insights, while enterprises benefit from youthful innovation.

]]>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:27:24 +0530<![CDATA[Why Should All the Turtles Look the Same?]]>https://www.monamifoundation.com/blogs/post/why-should-all-the-turtles-look-the-sameWhy Should All the Turtles Look the Same? In our CraftHub, this question sparks endless debate:  why should all the turtles look the same?  As ]]>
Turtle
Why Should All the Turtles Look the Same?

In our CraftHub, this question sparks endless debate: why should all the turtles look the same? As we build capacity and train artisans to produce multiple units of the same product, we aim for a remarkable 95% likeness across dozens of pieces. It’s a demanding standard, especially when multiple artisans are racing against deadlines. Even when the design criteria are met, subtle differences emerge—tiny variations in curve, finish, or detail.


Our buyers, though supportive of artisan work, often come from a background of purchasing bulk, machine-made imports from neighbouring countries. They are accustomed to absolute uniformity: rows of identical products, each indistinguishable from the next. Against that backdrop, our handcrafted pieces sometimes feel “different.” And so begins the delightful conversation: why should they all look the same?


Machines excel at replication. They erase individuality in favour of efficiency. But handmade products carry the imprint of the human hand—the rhythm of the artisan’s skill, the nuance of their touch, the story of their craft. Each piece is not just an object; it is a signature. When we pause from machine-made perfection, we discover beauty in individuality. The slight differences are not flaws; they are proof of authenticity.


Uniformity has its place in mass production. But in artisan work, sameness risks stripping away the very soul of the craft. Buyers who embrace individuality are not just purchasing a product; they are investing in heritage, creativity, and human connection. Each turtle, while similar, carries its own personality. And isn’t that worth celebrating?


So, the next time someone asks why all the turtles don’t look the same, perhaps the better question is: why would we want them to?

]]>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:59:02 +0530<![CDATA[Communities and Collaboration]]>https://www.monamifoundation.com/blogs/post/communities-and-collaboration

Communities and Collaboration

Indias heritage with handicrafts is legendary, with techniques and proficiencies handed down from one generation to the next.

Crafters work collectively to produce designs that have withstood the test of time. Whether its the marble carvers from Agra, Kanchipuram silk weavers, toymakers of Channapatna, filigree artisans of Cuttack, block printers of Ajrakhpur or textile handicrafters of Bhuj, the power of communities crafting together is undeniable. However, what these crafters lack is the ability to take designs to the next level. With no formal training in design or skill development, they are reliant on external support to help them reinvent their craft to make it relevant to contemporary needs.

Mon Ami Foundation, in association with HCL Foundations Craft Hub works with migrant communities to develop a sustainable livelihood through crochet crafting. By offering design and marketing support to these communities, crafters create innovative products with utilitarian value in urban markets. During their interactions with migrant women, Mon Ami Foundation has seen that working in communities helps:

  • Empower women: by learning an additional skill, these women have the opportunity to earn an incremental income and become economically independent
  • Create narratives that count: the sense of accomplishment on getting a stitch perfect and creating a marketable product, while working among peers, gives an inexplicable boost of confidence to these women.
  • Weave meaningful conversations: normally used to working alone, and displaced from their families, community initiatives give women a sense of belonging and purpose.
  • Pave career pathways for Gen-Next: childcare becomes a part of working in communities. With little girls often accompanying their mothers and picking up crochet skills over time, there is a sense of continuity.
Working with women in communities, the crochet movement lead by Mon Ami Foundation and HCL Foundations Craft Hub, that began 2015 impacts the lives of 100 families in Delhi NCR.

In the years to come, we would like to expand our reach in different areas in terms of the crafters we skill, the markets we cater to and the corporates we collaborate with.

To become a market linkage partner or to commission direct projects, do connect: contact@monamifoundation.com
]]>Sat, 06 Feb 2021 18:40:00 +0530