Production in BANGLADESH
PICARD BANGLADESH
Our production facility in Bangladesh was established in the 1990s. Even though we are one of the few companies in Germany that still trains fine seamstresses today, we were faced with an ever-increasing shortage of young talent. It was therefore an important decision for us to set up a production facility in Bangladesh in order to preserve the tradition of fine sewing. The factory in Bangladesh has been awarded several certifications and is subject to the highest social and environmental standards. All employees have comprehensive insurance cover and wages are based on the ILO's Living Wage Index (https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/wages/lang--en/index.htm)
Despite everything, we believe that there is still too much poverty and injustice in this country, which is why we also support theSBForganization*locally, as we have built up a close relationship with the people and are committed to helping our local employees to give them a better life. We regularly organize fundraising campaigns for the people in Bangladesh from Germany, you can find out more about this in our blog.
In addition to the vocational school for the craft of leather accessories in particular, PICARD has set up its own school and a kindergarten. The PICARD school in Bangladesh currently goes up to the 7th grade, but is to be expanded in the future. PICARD employs 12 people with disabilities in Bangladesh and is accessible for wheelchair users. So far, we have also enabled local people to learn to read and write through further education programs. As a training company, we offer real opportunities for advancement and a kindergarten at the workplace. This is intended to enable women in particular to go to work. Here, children aged 1-6 are looked after by trained educators. Sports and cultural activities are also offered.
The company doctor offers free treatments twice a week and a trained nurse is on site every day. The costs of regular treatments or health tests, such as eye tests, are covered by PICARD. PICARD Bangladesh is also committed to combating youth unemployment. Together with a local aid organization, the young people here are trained as carpenters, seamstresses or in the repair of machines.
Impressions from PICARD production in Bangladesh
PICARD creates jobs for employees in the handicraft sector
A pupil at the PICARD school blackboard
The following video gives you an insight into PICARD in Bangladesh
INTERVIEW with Ms. Begum, employee at PICARD
PICARD: Ms. Begum, you can read and write, which is still not a matter of course in your country. Did you go to school?
Mrs. Begum: No, I didn't go to school. I come from a very poor area and am the daughter of a day laborer. I joined PICARD Bangladesh at the age of 17, when I could neither read nor write, nor even sign a payslip. Today I am a group leader.
PICARD: What has changed for you specifically as a result?
Ms. Begum: Since I can read, I am much more self-confident. I can read the newspaper and form an opinion. I am also constantly dependent on it in my job: Measurements, data analysis and much more. I couldn't do it without education.
PICARD: How has your life changed since you joined PICARD?
Ms. Begum: Thanks to PICARD, I was able to buy a piece of land and build my own hut. My children go to a reputable school. My husband and I can support our family. And I can manage my own financial affairs. That makes me independent and proud.
*The Subarna Bhumi Foundation (SBF) is registered under the Societies Registration ACT, 1860. The organization has a very active Board of Directors consisting of seven members. The operations/activities of SBF are closely monitored by this group, every six months all activities including financial matters are reviewed. During the first and second wave of COVID-19, the SBF assisted 650 families by supporting them financially and with food. The team is working full-time in this pandemic emergency situation. To combat the pandemic, SBF is providing 1,650 children in rural areas of Bangladesh with health and hygiene kits.
For more information, you can also visit the PICARD Bangladesh production facility's own website: http://picardbd.com/.