Greeting you with the warmest smile and “Salaam (Peace)”, Rehman opens his eclectic front door and welcomes you into his home. Rehman’s tiny 100 sq ft house is often filled with guests coming and going. It is just one of millions of homes tucked into the endless web of alleyways found in his North Indian town. His Mom and Dad are both employed through Village Artisan and are thankful to see food in the cooking pots for Rehman, his 2 brothers and the many friends and relatives who visit. Life was not always like this and Rehman and can remember a hopeless time when they did not know where their own food, clothing, and rent would come from. At that point education was a far off dream. Now challenged and growing in his studies, Rehman is able to attend school through the Village Artisan School Sponsorship Program coupled with the monthly fair trade wages his parents receive. As he pulls out a book from his school bag, he is ready to show you his writing and recitation with a shy but proud smile – full of Hope.