- Sri Lanka
- Galle
About Program
The Textile & Design Programme works in partnership with local Sri Lankan charities. These charities run community-based projects in Sri Lanka that act as training and education centres for local women. To sustain these projects, we sell our brand ‘Palm Project’ to local boutique hotels and shops. All products are produced by the local women giving them paid work. All money made from the project is invested into the community.
The Palm Project has designed a collection of travel accessories and clothing. Central to the brand’s identity is fair trade and responsible sourcing of materials. Volunteers work as a team to help develop new ranges and add/update existing ones.
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Researching: Research target markets to ensure designs will be popular, including sourcing the appropriate fabrics for the climate.
- Designing: The programme needs new and exciting products to expand their product line. You will have the opportunity to design and sample various products, locally sourced.
- Creating: Make your designs come to life. Work with local women to create products and prepare them for sale. Teach local people how to create products (a life skill).
- Teaching: Share your knowledge of textiles and design by working alongside local women, offering them an opportunity for employment afterwards.
- Marketing and Selling: Market and sell your products online and at local Sri Lankan tourist markets. Creating brand awareness though online campaigns and local campaigns is vital.
Program Impact
Working closely with the RMF foundation, we aim to train disadvantaged local women in design and textiles so that they will be able to provide for themselves as well as giving them paid work through the creation of our Palm Project capsule collection! Over £12,000 of funding has been provided for either new equipment or salaries for disadvantaged women as part of the Palm Project initiative.
