Hajigangj Handicrafts Crochet Unit was set up in 2005 by Prokritee to support some Behari families. This ethnical group in the North of Bangladesh had to flee their home twice, during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 and again after the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. Their chances for healthy homes, education and income had become very low. 

 

Upon receiving required management supports from Hajigangj Handicrafts, Prokritee decided to run this Crochet Unit in Saidpur by using the crochet skills of Bihari women. It is a traditional work that the women learned from their mothers and grandmothers.

Crochet Unit started its journey with 22 women. Together with the assistance and involvement of Prokritees Design and Marketing team, they were able to develop a couple of hundred samples by now and the women received special training on product quality maintenance and packaging. Crochet Producers have also developed their expertise in making different type of products with recycle and new fabrics. Their blankets are very popular in Australian and Canadian markets. 

With support of Prokritee many women now have good financial supports, changing their livelihood and giving them chances to buy food, clothing and education for their children. 

 

Crochet Unit has 35 regular Producers and 52 seasonal producers.