|
In 1995, during the early stages of Blue Hand, Arnie & Tracy
Cullipher lived in Kerebokan, just outside Kuta,
in Bali, Indonesia. One day a 19 year old, Ketut
Suswiti, found her way to Blue Hand’s office.
She was referred by a friend as a "pembantu"
(helper). Ketut had a sweet, honest face
and presented herself as a hard worker.
Although she had no experience or credentials,
Arnie and Tracy decided to give Ketut a chance.
Ketut started immediately as a house cleaner and was soon trusted
to be an errand runner. She proved to be a hard
worker (as she had claimed) and learned
quickly. Soon she was running samples to
producers and making photocopies at the tiny
drugstore and office supply store on the
corner. Ketut proved to be trustworthy and
eager to take on new responsibilities. Over a
couple of years, working side by side with Arnie
and Tracy, Ketut learned the details of batik
production and dress sewing.
As Ketut’s skills grew, Arnie and Tracy were able to give more
responsibility to her. This allowed them to
spend more time in the states. They taught
Ketut to communicate via phone, fax, email and
digital cameras.
Now Arnie and Tracy visit Bali only periodically and Ketut manages
the on-site details of batik production and
dress sewing. She knows their craft and the
batik artisans and sewers respect her. Ketut
approves all production invoices, writes and
signs the checks and is the final word on
quality control.
Ketut has become indispensable to Blue
Hand. In turn, Ketut is paid a salary typical
of a college educated professional, although
Ketut has only a primary level of schooling.
Blue Hand also sees to her family’s health care
needs, provides frequent bonuses, motorcycles,
expenses for gas, televisions and the like.
Ketut is married now and has a little boy.
Ketut Suswiti and her family wish to express their thanks for your
continued support of Blue Hand. Ketut is one of
the many Blue Hand employees whose way of life
has improved dramatically due to sales to your
business.
|
