Sahara Communications - Lucie Gauthier

A Leave for Change in Niger : Doing a lot in very little time

A graphic designer by profession, Lucie Gauthier had long dreamed of international cooperation, but without really believing it possible. How often, after all, do development projects in the South require the talents of a graphic designer? And yet, opportunity finally came knocking. In the fall of 2005, Lucie Gauthier spent three weeks in Agadès, Niger, on a Leave for Change to support the marketing efforts of the Union of Individuals and Cooperatives of the Village of Agadès.

“In addition to working concretely with people whom I greatly admire, this trip was deeply enriching. While travel is always an opportunity to learn, a Leave for Change multiplies the possibilities ten-fold. The icing on the cake was the warm appreciation that the artisans showed for my work.”       
The village of Agadès is an agglomeration of 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 strangeness of the desert and the rich traditions of the Tuaregs. However, lacking proximity to the main hotels, the village 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 created and printed, locally, six small posters as well as several explanatory documents on the differents handicrafts practised in the Village (jewellery-making, basketry, leather-working, sculpture, embroidery, etc.). She also created a pictorial databank for future projects and made a presentation to help artisans improve in customer service and marketing.

“I drew my inspiration from the experience of eco-museums in Quebec to develop tools that raise the awareness of buyers regarding the benefits of fair trade handicrafts and also strengthen 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 2005 edition of Montreal’s Salon des métiers d’art. These booths were used by artisans sponsored by Uniterra from seven different countries.  “Every effort makes a difference in reducing poverty and improving living conditions,” concludes Lucie.