In the July holidays, I went to Tanzania in Africa. While I was there, I visited the Shanga Foundation.
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In Tanzania, it is a shame to have a disabled person in your family. Many disabled children/teenagers are disowned or even killed by their families as they can't get a job and earn money. Shanga Foundation was established to combat this ableist epidemic. The foundation only hires people with disabilities such as deafness and brachydactyly. These inspirational people then make beautiful objects such as bracelets, bags and weaving to sell to tourists. Their crafts are known to be some of the finest in Tanzania.
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I was privileged to make craft with some of the workers. They helped me make two beautiful bracelets and a bag. One of the deaf workers taught me how to weave as well. It was quite an empowering experience to communicate with a deaf person for the first time.
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The foundation is also incredibly sustainable with their very own recycling programme. This is where they collect glass bottles from all of the restaurants and hotels in Arusha to then recycle and make beads for their bracelets. I was lucky to be shown behind the scenes of this scheme.
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I think it's truly spectacular how the foundation has made beauty out of what would be shame.
