Sahara Communications

A Sahara Communications employee in West Africa

A graphic designer by profession, Lucie Gauthier had long dreamed of working in international cooperation, but without really believing it would be possible.

How often, after all, do development projects in the South require the talents of a graphic designer? And yet, opportunity finally came knocking and Lucie Gauthier spent three weeks in Agadès, Niger, on a Leave for Change assignment to support the marketing efforts of the Union of Artisans and Cooperatives working in the Handicrafts Market of Agadès.

“In addition to working at the grassroots level with people whom I greatly admire, this assignment was deeply rewarding. While travel is always an opportunity to learn, a Leave for Change assignment multiplies the possibilities ten-fold. The icing on the cake was the warm appreciation that the artisans showed for my work.”     
 
The Handicrafts Market of Agadès collects over 1,300 artisans and workshops in the heart of the ancient Saharan city of the same name. Artistic capital of the Tuaregs, the city of Agadès attracts a constant flow of tourists avid to discover the mystery of the desert and the rich traditions of the Tuaregs. However, with its location far from the main hotels, the Market needed to make its existence and particular attractions better known. That’s where Lucie’s experience proved particularly useful and effective.

In just three weeks, Lucie Gauthier worked with the Union to create and print six small posters as well as several promotional pieces  on the different handicrafts produced in the Market (jewellery, basket weaving, leather-work, sculpture, embroidery, etc.). She also created a photo databank for future projects and made a presentation to help artisans improve their customer service and marketing skills.

“I drew my inspiration from the experience of eco-museums in Quebec to develop tools that raise the awareness of customers in terms of the benefits of fair trade handicrafts and that also strengthened the artisans’ marketing skills,” explains Lucie.

Back in Quebec, Lucie Gauthier pursued her interest in fair trade by helping to design the booths used in the International Pavilion at the annual Montreal Handicrafts Show. These booths showcased the wares of artisans from seven different countries, all sponsored by Uniterra.  “My experience proves that every effort can make a difference in reducing poverty and improving living conditions,” emphasized Lucie.