About Agape Craft

Agape (a-ga-pay) means "selfless love" in Greek. The organisation is dedicated to showing that love by sharing skills, and extending a hand to people in need in West Java. Agape Craft is a non-profit Christian organisation, existing for the benefit of its participants.

In rural Indonesian villages, employment is scarce. As most villagers don't own land, men, women and children usually work as seasonal hired labour in rice fields. When that work os over, there is nothing to do but wait.

The majority of the population has had very little education. Although schooling is now freely available up to Elementary level, children can only attend past that level if money can be provided for school resources and transport to the city. Similarly, health resources are only available to those who can afford to pay.

By establishing quilt production units in the villages, Agape Craft has directly enabled many men and women to earn enough to support their families, and the flow-on has been an improvement in the living conditions, education and health of the villagers.

I have been associated with Agape Craft for many years, initially as a volunteer sales agent in a remote region of Indonesia. I am impressed with the dedication of the organisation and their commitment to provide the means whereby families can escape the poverty net to a better lifestyle.

Proceeds from sales go directly into the hands of those who do the work of making the quilts. As well, Agape Craft provides training and opportunity for young people in marketing, administration and office skills.

 Through the simple act of selfless love, the Agape Craft programme is giving new life and new hope to so many. That's got to be good!