Noah’s Ark is a workshop that was set up in 1986 by Samuel Masih, whose goal was to ensure good healthcare, education and housing for very poor artisans in the villages of Moradabad. Noah’s pays its artisans 20% more than the government’s minimum wage. It also provides basic nutritional health, education and housing for the artisans and their families. A major goal of the organisation is to give its artisans independence – every year two or three of its members split off and form their own workshops. Since 1986, about 20 artisans have split from Noah’s Ark and formed their own workshop.

 

The mission of Noah’s Ark has been to change lives through education and capacity building so that artisans become more aware of fair working conditions. The company ensures women artisans are equally paid as men and that their dignity is honoured. They do not promote child labour in any way and have a policy of not buying goods from artisans where child labour is used. Noah’s Ark provides grants as well as supporting the education of the children of artisans and their staff. Through their profits, they are also building a school to provide free education to the children who work in the fields of Moradabad. The organisation is associated with the Indian Society of Deaf and Indian

 

Every Home Crusade.

Moradabad is a city renowned for its brassware. Here generations have passed down their skills and designs for beautiful handicrafts. Noah’s Ark uses recycled metals as its raw material – old car radiators, copper wire and broken brassware all go into the melting pot. Because of all the goods it produces, India imports much of this scrap metal – so you never know, your old car radiator may be melted into one of Noah’s Ark’s beautiful bowls!

Source: http://www.noahsindia.com/index-2.html
See You Tube for video footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoGZ2JwM-6c&feature=channel_page