Fairloom (Westport, MA) is a nonprofit with a mission where young people in the USA and Brazil work together to build a sustainable education and economic foundation for the community of Terra Prometida, Brazil. Fairloom helps local Brazilian artisans grow their businesses and expand their markets, and use the growing profits to provide education for their community.

Graduates and students from NYU and Brown University were interns in Terra Prometida in 2007. This summer, a fashion design course from Massachusetts College of Art and Design will go to Brazil for 2 weeks.

Products made by the artisans can be purchased online on Fairloom’s website.

Artisans in Terra Prometida can take technology courses, fashion design courses, learn business and financial skills, and also market their products through Fairloom’s organization and website in America.

Under Fairloom’s Building Connections program, children in Providence, RI, Jackson, WY and Terra Prometida, Brazil are sharing their stories as they learn about each other in school activities.

The first education program to be developed out of the increased profits and donations, will be an Early Childhood Education Center, primarily for children of the partner artisans. For those adults and adolescents who assist the school, they will also learn business, technical and educational skills to further help the community.

79% of the adults in Terra Prometida do not have an education past the fifth grade.
67% of families in Terra Prometida live in homes less than 131 square feet.

Information on purchasing artisan products, donating, volunteering and other programs are available on their website.