Be warm and chic and with ‘Be Sweet’, and help children through school in South Africa

Featured above (from L to R): Mohair Ribbon Scarf in Rust, (retail $88 includes shipping). Mohair Trio Wrap in Black (Retail $199 includes shipping) and Ribbon scarf in Sea Blue, and Ribbon scarf in Honey Mustard, both retail for $88 including shipping.

Jute and Jackfruit has carried the socially conscious and fair trade company ‘Be Sweet’ for quite some time, but we are especially happy to bring in more styles and colors this winter. Be Sweet specializes in hand loomed, hand woven scarves and wraps made out of 100% Mohair, so what better time to bury oneself in colorful, hand made wraps than January and February.

Be Sweet is not your average knit company. Started by Nadine Storyk Curtis in South Africa, the company is founded with a social mission just as strong as its style ambitions. Nadine sought to empower women in South Africa who might not otherwise have economic opportunities. As such, Be Sweet works with several job creation programs in South Africa by giving artisans the confidence and the means to support themselves and their families in an otherwise economically depressed region. The empowerment groups have grown to include over 200 villagers, mostly female members of the Xhosa tribe, who live in Cape Town, the Eastern Cape region and Johannesburg. Participants are responsible for making mohair, bamboo and organic cotton yarns, accessories and home goods. Many of the women depend on their work for their survival. With the help of experienced program directors, the women are able to work in stable environments where they can earn a fair wage, learn a new skill and enjoy their jobs. Featured below are Be Sweet women Kangelwa, Wolunbu, and Milia. Starting with just a few products, delivered to a few boutiques in the United States, the company has now grown to include a huge repertoire of products: from scarves and wraps to pillows, handbags, yarns and more.

Be Sweet also donates a portion of its profits to the Shaw Park School, a primary and secondary school in the Eastern Cape where many children of the participants of the local job creation program attend. To pursue their dreams of an education and brighter future, some students walk up to five miles each way to attend school. Be Sweet has donated over $5000 to Shaw Park, which has gone towards purchasing new computers, a copier machine, and extra keyboards to teach typing skills as well as funds for maintenance of the grounds.  Slated projects for 2009 are improving transportation services, funding a “family day” that would encourage parental connection to the school, and establishing a daily lunch program for every student.

In addition, Be Sweet is contributing to a new South African based educational support non-profit program called Bright Start.  Their mission is “to offer previously disadvantaged children a ‘brighter future’, by placing them in prominent local schools with proven excellent educational standards. Bright Start provides ongoing support and guidance to ensure the child reaches his or her full potential.” Learn more at www.brightstart.org.za

So what better way to spend one’s wardrobe and gift dollars than on a product that not only is beautiful, hand made and of the utmost high quality, but that also benefits women and children in South Africa. Each purchase contributes to educational opportunities to children in need as well as job creation for women artisans in marginalized communities. Be Sweet products are also very well priced. Made from 100% Mohair, hand knit, they are an ideal investment one can make in not only ones self ones, but also as a gift for friends and family. The purchase  contributes to a more socially and environmentally conscious marketplace and has a direct impact on women and children in need. Feel good and look great with every purchase you make with choices like Be Sweet and other socially conscious companies represented at Jute and Jackfruit.