The social enterprise empowering students in Yunnan

By Jacob Hooson and Qiu Guizhen | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2016-12-01 15:03

Mantra draws its inspiration for its sunglasses from the colorful cultural characteristics found in Yunnan province, such as their "Yi-Lectric" range (pictured above), which uses patterns and colors found in the hand stitching works of the Yi ethnic group. [Photo provided to China Daily]

As the inspiration of the initiative came from Yunnan, Mantra has teamed up with local designers to release new lines of glasses with Yunnan characteristics.

Customers can choose from 25 different styles, including those themed on the hand embroideries of the Dai and Yi ethnic minorities, and Yunnan landscapes, with featured glasses inspired by Dali Old Town, Er-Hai Dusk and Kawagebo sunrise.

"(Yunnan) is where Andrew and I first started working on EIS, where we really got to understand life in China," said Waldo in an interview with Beijing-based expat website JingJobs. "We agree that Yunnan is the most gorgeous and wonderful place, full of natural beauty, bright colors, and unique patterns, such as ethnic minority fabrics."

Mantra's products, priced between 360 yuan ($52) and 580 yuan, offer an abandonment of the "Made in China" status quo. Instead, they are proudly designed and manufactured in China with materials from the US.

The majority of people who buy the glasses are females aged between 25 and 35, according to Waldo. "(Females) have stronger public benefit awareness and show more interest in the story behind the products," he said.

The success and growing popularity of Mantra has helped EIS to expand its operations beyond the reach of TFC-affiliated schools in Yunnan province. The organization now works with public health departments and hospitals in different parts of the country. In fact, EIS programs have rolled out in every school in Shangri-La county of Yunnan province, thanks to cooperation with the local government there.

"That's 21 schools and 17,000 students getting professional medical screenings, vision education and, when necessary, free professional eyewear," Shirman told JingJobs. "Think about that for a moment – that means if you travel to Shangri-La and see a young child with glasses, odds are that those glasses were provided by our program. I have to admit, that makes me proud."