For over a decade, Global Mamas has enjoyed a meaningful partnership with Semester at Sea, hosting students and fostering cultural exchange and learning. This year marked a special milestone: for the first time ever, the students visited the Fair Trade Zone (FTZ) and what an unforgettable experience it was!
Upon arrival at the FTZ, the students were warmly welcomed by managers. Franca, the Production Manager for Sustainable Materials, gave a brief orientation and introduced the rest of the team. From there, the students embarked on a full tour of our operations, immersing themselves in the world of fair trade production.
The first stop was the Bath and Body Department, where students learned about how our natural body butters and soaps are made. They held the soaps to smell their pleasant scents and they felt the texture of the body butters. Next, they visited the Quality Control Room, where they observed how products are meticulously inspected before being shipped to the stores in Ghana, the US and Europe.
At the Sewing Department, students witnessed seamstresses skillfully creating beautiful apparel. The students also watched the seamstresses working on patterns and were amazed by their impressive skills. The experience continued in the Bead Assembling Department, where they met the jewelry and ornament assemblers. Here, they also met Christian Tetteh, affectionately known as “Happiness,” who led the group in reciting the Global Mamas elevator pitch and singing songs with her colleagues. This moment of joy and bonding was a highlight for many.
In the Inventory Room, students interacted with Florence, the Inventory Manager, and saw firsthand where sewing materials and fabrics are stored. The group then visited the Weaving Department, where they were inspired by the dedication and craftsmanship of the Mamas at work. They witnessed the Mamas making beautiful products like trivets and hyacinth baskets. One of the most interactive parts of the tour was at the Paper Making Department, where students learned how to make eco-friendly paper using water hyacinth, a process that left many of them in awe.
The final stop was the Batik Department, where students participated in a hands-on workshop. They experienced the full batik-making process, from stamping to dyeing, dewaxing, and drying and each student left with a piece of batik fabric they had made themselves. It was not only an educational activity but also a joyful memory they could carry home.
Throughout the visit, students asked insightful questions, offered thoughtful suggestions, and engaged with Mamas across departments. Before leaving, they took group photos with the Mamas, a gesture of appreciation and a lasting memory of their time together.
