The Ashford Award Winners for 2025
Due to the high caliber of applicants this year, Elizabeth and Richard have chosen two joint-winners, and James has increased the award to $7000.
We are delighted to announce the two joint winners are:
Tukya Threads, Purulia, West Bengal, India and the Felti and Spectacled Bear Conservation, Lambayeque, Peru.
At Tukya Threads, a learning centre has been established that teaches children textile skills – spinning, weaving, and natural dyeing – alongside basic English language education. Reviving these traditional cultural practises, helps create economic opportunities and encourages the children to remain on their ancestral land and contribute to a vibrant, sustainable village economy. We will be sending SampleIt looms, reeds, Kiwi Spinning Wheels, Drop Spindles, and Cotton Cards.
Felti is a sustainable livelihood programme where women from communities near critical bear habitats, are taught felting skills. The 100 women have been empowered by leaning these new skills and earning a sustainable income. At the same time the impact of expanding agricuclture and wild fires on the bears’ habitat is reduced.
Congratulations to all the applicants and especially to the other finalist Knitted Solidarity Across Borders, Huancavelica, Peru.
