Retail project

This project aims to give young people with a handicap an opportunity to get experience in the process of managing a small amount of capital, investing in new materials and tools, and making and selling items.

This gives them an idea of a structure appropriate for independent working and offering products to interested shops. Consequently, a system has been thought up so that the young people learn to save. Participants in the project are offered and reimbursed initial working materials by APA Foundation while this is necessary. The maker gets the full amount of the sales proceeds less 10%. This 10% is intended to allow the person to build experience of putting money aside to cover expenses such as renting a sales point or market stall or purchasing a display. In this case the 10% is for APA Foundation (display and promotional material); not because the foundation actually needs the reimbursement but for the above reasons.

Of the remaining 90%, half is paid direct to the maker and half is set aside to buy new materials and as savings. The money is managed by APA Foundation in consultation with the maker until they no longer whish to sell items via APA Foundation. At the parting of the ways, all amounts are paid out. Obviously, proper accounts are kept.

Initially, two young people, Wayan (see IB 080305 Wayan) and Arini (see 2002: Arini & Sudike), were selected to make and offer items for sale.
Wayan is a woodworker and will make small wooden objects and jewellery which are attractive in design and price for tourists.
Arini paints wooden dolphins.

A space has also been set up for children put forward by Marieke de Wit of foundation High5Rehab who make goods for sale in therapy time or otherwise. The children do not, however, take part in the savings and investment part; the entire sales proceeds are paid to them direct. 

They get materials reimbursed by Stichting High5Rehab and the intended lessons are less important at their age and could cause confusion or misunderstanding with the parents.

UPDATE 2006
The retail project is still running but there is little retail activity in general because of the economic downturn on Bali, partly because of the fall in tourism. This also affected the project. Some items have been sold, but fewer than expected. The project needs to be re-examined and given a new boost. Arini is still part of the project and has sold some of her painted dolphins.
She used to crochet hats which were sold to customers for very little. Her income was stopped. Without assistance or capital, Arini was unable to make the hats. She has now started crocheting again and wants to sell hats through the retail project at a fair price.
The children of Stichting High5Rehab are also able to offer items they have made for sale.

APA foundation is grateful to Ibu Made of the Sari Mekar shop for her assistance.