Who is behind Hands of Hope?
At the beginning of 2024, I packed my backpack and traveled alone to the East.
Via India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, I found my way to beautiful Laos.
I fell in love immediately—the untouched nature and the warmth of the people touched something in me from the very first second.
However, there is also a downside. Unfortunately, Laos is affected by high levels of poverty.
Laos is one of 44 countries in the world that the United Nations describes as "least developed"
(also known as fourth world countries ).
Added to this is the sad fact that Laos is the most bombed country in the world (you can find more information here).
Seeing firsthand how people live in poverty yet still radiate so much joie de vivre moved me deeply.
This is precisely what inspired my desire to support this country in some way.
I visited many places, spoke to countless people, and ultimately developed the idea for Hands of Hope, which allows me to bring handmade, traditional products from Laos to our Western world and thus bring money to Laos.
Laos is heavily dependent on tourism—especially on the sale of these very products.
I would like to open another door for the people of Laos so that they can sell their work outside the country.
Hi, I'm Felix, founder and currently the only employee of Hands of Hope.
Partners, friends, producers
The production rooms are both a place of learning and a workplace.
Here, textiles such as scarves, small and large bags, and beautiful pendants are created on traditional looms.
For me, the cooperation with the Centre is more than a partnership—it is part of Hands of Hope's identity.
Every purchase not only supports fairly produced handicrafts, but also a project that enables education and self-determination.
For me, the products from the Center represent strength, opportunity, and hope.
In the gallery — Hands of Hope, you can gather many more impressions from the center.
I spent a lot of time there and clearly enjoyed it.
Deaf & Mute Community Center in Luang Prabang
The Deaf & Mute Community Center in Luang Prabang is my main partner and will probably always remain so.
The center was founded in 2006 and grew out of a very simple but powerful idea:
to give children and young people with hearing or speech impairments a place where they can learn, live, and develop.
My next partner is Woody.
Woody, who grew up in Belgium, found his home in Laos about 20 years ago.
With great dedication, Woody travels repeatedly through Laos to find special, traditional products.
He sells these handmade treasures in his gallery in Luang Prabang,
, where they form a bridge between local culture and international enthusiasts.
Woody is a true expert when it comes to combining quality, authenticity, and tradition.
Working with him promotes special products and preserves the traditions of the region.
I met him when I was shopping in his gallery out of personal interest.
We got talking, I told him about my idea, and he was immediately willing to support me in the long term.
Through Woody, I offer unique items from Laos in my shop. These products are truly one-of-a-kind.
If you ever plan to visit Luang Prabang, feel free to stop by his gallery.
I'd be happy to give you his contact details and address.
My third partner is Got.
Got is from Laos, is a young mother, and works at the Journey Café in Luang Prabang,
, where I first met her.
Right from the start, I was impressed by her warm, calm manner
– and later also by her craftsmanship.
At home, Got lovingly handcrafts various products:
including beautiful, colorful table coasters, fabric baskets, cases
and beautiful bags dyed with natural indigo.
I purchase these special pieces directly from her
– each one a small sign of her creativity and her way of creating a future and stability for her family
.
Working with Got means a lot to me because it highlights the importance of local craftsmanship in Laos while also producing these beautiful, authentic products.
In many parts of Laos, families are often under great economic pressure; support for children with disabilities is rare.
Many families do not have sufficient financial resources, so the burden on the family can be extreme—both emotionally and economically.
Cultural or religious beliefs can also lead to disabilities being interpreted as "misfortune" or "punishment."
Unfortunately, this influences how families view and treat the child.
Despite these challenges, many families lovingly care for children with disabilities.
Unfortunately, however, there are also families who neglect or reject these children.
For these reasons, organizations such as the Mute & Deaf Center in Luang Prabang are so important.
The center offers accommodation, care, basic education, and also vocational training such as weaving and tailoring textile products
– skills that preserve tradition and open up concrete opportunities for the future.