Karaw Craftventures aims to give new function and extend the life consumption of old clothes and fabric scraps by transforming them into functional merchandise and providing livelihood opportunities to marginalized groups.

In 2014 alone, 11.1 million tons of textile waste found. Only 15% were recycled, 30% ended up as rags, and others, in our landfills. These synthetic materials do not degrade and cause pollution. In the ASEAN Region, in the Philippines in particular, home to many garment factories, there are no textile recycling companies. Consumers keeping up with the latest trends, end up with unwanted clothing that they usually choose to throw away. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 15.1 million tons of textile waste was generated in 2013, of which 12.8 million tons were discarded.

When we were targeting our possible partners for the project, I thought of instances where maybe we could possibly help by positively touching the lives of those who are incarcerated in prisons. Our team has come to realize that among the vulnerable groups in society, the prisoners are a sector that is neglected most of the time. Only a limited number of cause-driven organizations help in the rehabilitation activities for this group. With this thought in mind, our team decided to work with the prisoners to realize the projects for Karaw Craftventures because we believe that, whatever their individual backgrounds are, these people still be subject to basic human rights. They also have a right to a livelihood, a basic privilege to be given good and dignified opportunities for the welfare of their and their families futures. These people should not be left to simply idle away in confinement but be empowered towards better tomorrows.