Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit one of Imara's projects: Mwika.
Mwika is located about 2 hours west of Arusha, in the Kilimanjaro region. Interestingly, I had already been to Mwika in November when I hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro, although I had no idea at the time that I would ever be returning.
The Mwika project is predominately sponsored by a group of Australian churches. The project consists of an orphanage, a primary school and the provision of medical aid to widows and women living with HIV/AIDS.
In all, there are about 250 widows/women living with HIV/AIDS and 260 orphans in the area. While the project does not provide aid to all these individuals, they do try to provide for as many as they are able.
At this point, several small income-generating projects have been introduced to Mwika, although none have been able to successfully take off and produce income. The projects thus far include chickens, pigs, and sewing machines.
Yesterday, I met with Mamma Marina to discuss the projects and to develop a strategy to begin generating income for the project. The goal for each project is to be self-sustaining. There may come a time when we are no longer able to support the project and in order for it to continue on, income-generating activities must be actively and successfully in place to allow for a monetary withdrawal. The meeting went well and I walked away with an understanding of the project and what needs to happen. Of course, making that happen is another story.
It was awesome to finally have the chance to gain a better understanding of the projects and to see where I can possibly help. I was really stoked yesterday. :)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
A sampling of the products
Well, I've gotten about 15 different e-mails, all from women, asking to see what some of the projects actually look like. So...I have uploaded a few photos to the Blog so that you can see what we are up to.
For the bags, we've got a few different varieties. There is a drawn-string, pool-like bag (on the left with the BEAUTIFUL model...jk). There is also simple carry-all tote (quilted and non-quilted). We are also working on a few more designs with velvet as well as computer bags.
With bead work, we have sandal bags (on the line), change purses, and gift sacks. So many more ideas. Hope you enjoy the photos. By the way, sorry for the crazy formating...Blogger does not allow me to move the photos...
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The first business project
Well, seeing that I have been here almost 2 months with the purpose to work on small business opportunities, I figured that it was about time to update you on what I have been doing.
As many of you know, I have felt strongly that there is untapped potential in the textile market here in Arusha. Africans produce some of the most beautiful pattered kangas and kitenges. These fabrics are offered in an endless array of colors and designs. However, they are just offered as fabric, not as finished goods. I have held the belief that if one would just take these fabrics and make handbags, tunics, totes, aprons, placemats...that the items would sell.
Last week I had the first opportunity to test this theory of mine. I had asked Ludi, a local woman in my small group, if she would like to make some bags for me. Ludi had been praying to be able to expand her small seamstress business but wasn't quite sure where to start. I had seen her work before and the quality was quite good. She agreed. I told her that I had a team coming into town next week and I *thought* the women might be interested in having some handbags made from fabric....would she please come to Imara that day?
Well, she did. Needless to say, it was a hit! Of the 10 ladies on the trip, we had 20 handbags ordered, as well as several aprons, over mitts and dresses. Since then, Ludi and I have secured distribution on several of her products at area restaurants, boutiques, and shops, and have a second appointment to discuss distribution opportunities further at all Sopa Hotels.
Ludi was beyond happy today. This is not only her rent money, but money for family and her pregnant daughter. I could see this new hope in her eyes. Seeing that, I realized that is why I am here. There is an incredible satisfaction in helping others to reach their potential in life. As a Christian, I believe that God gifts us in different ways. This was a task that was incredibly easy for me to do but has already made such an impact in this one woman's life.
As many of you know, I have felt strongly that there is untapped potential in the textile market here in Arusha. Africans produce some of the most beautiful pattered kangas and kitenges. These fabrics are offered in an endless array of colors and designs. However, they are just offered as fabric, not as finished goods. I have held the belief that if one would just take these fabrics and make handbags, tunics, totes, aprons, placemats...that the items would sell.
Last week I had the first opportunity to test this theory of mine. I had asked Ludi, a local woman in my small group, if she would like to make some bags for me. Ludi had been praying to be able to expand her small seamstress business but wasn't quite sure where to start. I had seen her work before and the quality was quite good. She agreed. I told her that I had a team coming into town next week and I *thought* the women might be interested in having some handbags made from fabric....would she please come to Imara that day?
Well, she did. Needless to say, it was a hit! Of the 10 ladies on the trip, we had 20 handbags ordered, as well as several aprons, over mitts and dresses. Since then, Ludi and I have secured distribution on several of her products at area restaurants, boutiques, and shops, and have a second appointment to discuss distribution opportunities further at all Sopa Hotels.
Ludi was beyond happy today. This is not only her rent money, but money for family and her pregnant daughter. I could see this new hope in her eyes. Seeing that, I realized that is why I am here. There is an incredible satisfaction in helping others to reach their potential in life. As a Christian, I believe that God gifts us in different ways. This was a task that was incredibly easy for me to do but has already made such an impact in this one woman's life.
July SBC Team
I had the chance to spend the last weekend with the team from SBC. What a blast! They arrived on into town last Thursday. I met up with the walking zombies on Friday to head on out to Mairowa. Ok, not all of them were like zombies, but there were a few who were lagging quite a bit. We spent Friday, Saturday and Monday in Mairowa building chicken coops, visiting sponsor children, observing the students and teachers, and viewing the general project.
This team is great. Unlike many of the other teams, we have a lot of families on this trip. We've got one full family, two sets of grandmas with grandchildren, one couple with a mom, and one couple. What a great dynamic.
I've got a photo of Fred flexing his muscles in front of the kids. I think, but am not certain, that he was talking about how strong and mighty he was because he climbed Mt. Kili. ;)
(actually, we were singing a song about God's strength...but I thought it sounded better the other way)
This team is great. Unlike many of the other teams, we have a lot of families on this trip. We've got one full family, two sets of grandmas with grandchildren, one couple with a mom, and one couple. What a great dynamic.
I've got a photo of Fred flexing his muscles in front of the kids. I think, but am not certain, that he was talking about how strong and mighty he was because he climbed Mt. Kili. ;)
(actually, we were singing a song about God's strength...but I thought it sounded better the other way)
Monday, July 14, 2008
My Birthday!
So, last week I turned 31. July 10th was the day. I have to share that it was just a wonderful day for me; so sweet. Around 6:45am, Julia knocked on my door and began to sing Happy Birthday to me. Ah! It's my birthday! I had forgotten and just to be reminded in such a sweet way started the day off great. And it got better...
I headed on over to Ilboru Safari Lodge to meet the team from Scottsdale that came in the night before. To my absolute delight, there was quite a few little packages for me. Presents! Cards! Candy! From all over the US. For the next half an hour, I got to open many cards, care packages and birthday wishes from so many of you. I could hardly believe that so many of you remembered.
Then, I headed on over to Imara where Julia, Jenny and Lyndall had all made me separate desserts. I'm in heaven now. I got to have carrot cake and peanut butter brownies at 9am and not feel guilty. If everyday could be a birthday...
Later that day, we headed on over to Small Group where Pam had prepared yet another carrot cake (one of my absolute favorites and one that actually rivaled my mom's). Heaven indeed.
Needless to say, the day was made special by so many of you, both here in Arusha and at home in the States and I would be remiss if I didn't share how your love for me made me feel like a very special princess. Thank you so much!
I headed on over to Ilboru Safari Lodge to meet the team from Scottsdale that came in the night before. To my absolute delight, there was quite a few little packages for me. Presents! Cards! Candy! From all over the US. For the next half an hour, I got to open many cards, care packages and birthday wishes from so many of you. I could hardly believe that so many of you remembered.
Then, I headed on over to Imara where Julia, Jenny and Lyndall had all made me separate desserts. I'm in heaven now. I got to have carrot cake and peanut butter brownies at 9am and not feel guilty. If everyday could be a birthday...
Later that day, we headed on over to Small Group where Pam had prepared yet another carrot cake (one of my absolute favorites and one that actually rivaled my mom's). Heaven indeed.
Needless to say, the day was made special by so many of you, both here in Arusha and at home in the States and I would be remiss if I didn't share how your love for me made me feel like a very special princess. Thank you so much!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Small business progress!
It seems that I am finally able to write to everyone and say that we are making some progress on the small business project.
Before I even begin, it is imperative to understand that things move pole pole in Africa. Pole pole means at a snail-like pace. So, a "normal" task that I would have been able to complete at Henkel in 1 week would take 4-5 months here. Not for lack of trying, but the mindset of the culture here is that things don't seem to need to move that quickly, so why do them fast?
Background info: SBC/Imara is committed to helping to strengthen the church body in Tanzania. I say "strengthen the church body" because the mission statement of the organization is not limited to just evangelism nor does it mean in any sense that we are doing it for them. We are strengthening what is already here. Imara does have an evangelism department; but it also has a Leadership Dept which works with over 2,000 local pastors, a HIV/AIDS department that teaches women and children about HIV/AIDS, and a Mercy Department that ministers to members of the communities where we are active. My role falls under the Mercy Department.
In many of the villages where we work, there are limited opportunities for villagers to generate income. This is for a myriad of reasons...people do not have the proper skill sets, people do not know what products are marketable, people do not have the necessary start up capital, and people do not know where to even begin. These are just some of the reasons. The entire concept of "income generating activities" is very vague in their minds. I think it is fair to say that they understand that they need money to buy food and to pay for school supplies but HOW to earn that money is very fuzzy.
Enter small business project. We've got lots of ideas of ways to help generate income in these villages. Knowing which path to take it the hard one.
One area that I have been working on for the last few weeks is to develop a curriculum to teach basic business concepts to the villagers. The concepts are very simple and almost intuitive to us. The hope is that we by teaching them HOW to run a business, they will become self-sufficient.
As well as working on this, we have actually began making samples of some of our ideas. Please understand that there are two distinct markets in Tanzania: tourists and Tanzanians. The tourists have the money. Many of our ideas (for the women) will focus on products that will appeal to the tourism trade.
I've posted a photo of an apron that Ludi, a woman from my church, has made. I have no idea why my head was turned in the other direction, but alas, it's not about my lovely, smiling face but the purple, kanga inspired apron. I'm hoping to secure many of the samples today and will post some photos so you can see what we are up to.
This week we are hoping to have some good meetings to discuss the overall strategy and vision for the small business project. Keep you posted.
Before I even begin, it is imperative to understand that things move pole pole in Africa. Pole pole means at a snail-like pace. So, a "normal" task that I would have been able to complete at Henkel in 1 week would take 4-5 months here. Not for lack of trying, but the mindset of the culture here is that things don't seem to need to move that quickly, so why do them fast?
Background info: SBC/Imara is committed to helping to strengthen the church body in Tanzania. I say "strengthen the church body" because the mission statement of the organization is not limited to just evangelism nor does it mean in any sense that we are doing it for them. We are strengthening what is already here. Imara does have an evangelism department; but it also has a Leadership Dept which works with over 2,000 local pastors, a HIV/AIDS department that teaches women and children about HIV/AIDS, and a Mercy Department that ministers to members of the communities where we are active. My role falls under the Mercy Department.
In many of the villages where we work, there are limited opportunities for villagers to generate income. This is for a myriad of reasons...people do not have the proper skill sets, people do not know what products are marketable, people do not have the necessary start up capital, and people do not know where to even begin. These are just some of the reasons. The entire concept of "income generating activities" is very vague in their minds. I think it is fair to say that they understand that they need money to buy food and to pay for school supplies but HOW to earn that money is very fuzzy.
Enter small business project. We've got lots of ideas of ways to help generate income in these villages. Knowing which path to take it the hard one.
One area that I have been working on for the last few weeks is to develop a curriculum to teach basic business concepts to the villagers. The concepts are very simple and almost intuitive to us. The hope is that we by teaching them HOW to run a business, they will become self-sufficient.
As well as working on this, we have actually began making samples of some of our ideas. Please understand that there are two distinct markets in Tanzania: tourists and Tanzanians. The tourists have the money. Many of our ideas (for the women) will focus on products that will appeal to the tourism trade.
I've posted a photo of an apron that Ludi, a woman from my church, has made. I have no idea why my head was turned in the other direction, but alas, it's not about my lovely, smiling face but the purple, kanga inspired apron. I'm hoping to secure many of the samples today and will post some photos so you can see what we are up to.
This week we are hoping to have some good meetings to discuss the overall strategy and vision for the small business project. Keep you posted.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
4th of July in Tanzania
So, what is an American to do on the 4th of July in Tanzania? Go to a BBQ of course! Yes, even here in Tanzania there are pockets of Americans who have hoarded their marshmallows, sparklers, chocolate chips and Ranch dressing all year just to pull them out and eat like a true American would. (In case you are wondering, this items are not available here).
Julia and I headed on over to Mary's house at about 4:30. In all, there were about 20 of us, decked out in our best red, white and blue. We had BBQ chicken, guac and chips, potato salad, cole slaw, chocolate cake...it was just like being in the USA. Imagine those white plastic chairs that we all have, arranged in a circle, with the kids running around the yard. Some things just don't change.
Mary had actually come up with some games for us to play. It was a riot, especially the "Name that song from the 70's game". I actually came in second place, losing to Tammy and Todd. I was going to protest seeing that they are 10 years older than me and have a distinct disadvantage, but then I saw the prize bag and it was all coffee and desserts and figured it would not be for my betterment to win and would only cause me to be at the gym more, so I didn't say a word.
The best part of listening to us try to sing every American song that we would think of while the kids played with the sparklers and the fireworks. My favorite was Pattie. She was our lead until we got to the SECOND stanza of the National Anthem and she sang "Oh, say can you see...from the dawn's early light...what so...what so...what the heck did we do that night?" Ah yes, another proud American. This one is from Lousianna.
All in all, I hadn't laughed that hard in quite some time. It feels so good to laugh.
Julia and I headed on over to Mary's house at about 4:30. In all, there were about 20 of us, decked out in our best red, white and blue. We had BBQ chicken, guac and chips, potato salad, cole slaw, chocolate cake...it was just like being in the USA. Imagine those white plastic chairs that we all have, arranged in a circle, with the kids running around the yard. Some things just don't change.
Mary had actually come up with some games for us to play. It was a riot, especially the "Name that song from the 70's game". I actually came in second place, losing to Tammy and Todd. I was going to protest seeing that they are 10 years older than me and have a distinct disadvantage, but then I saw the prize bag and it was all coffee and desserts and figured it would not be for my betterment to win and would only cause me to be at the gym more, so I didn't say a word.
The best part of listening to us try to sing every American song that we would think of while the kids played with the sparklers and the fireworks. My favorite was Pattie. She was our lead until we got to the SECOND stanza of the National Anthem and she sang "Oh, say can you see...from the dawn's early light...what so...what so...what the heck did we do that night?" Ah yes, another proud American. This one is from Lousianna.
All in all, I hadn't laughed that hard in quite some time. It feels so good to laugh.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
A normal week
In a way, I wish that I had another adventure to share with you. But, alas, I have not. Last week was, by all descriptors, a normal week. Even in American terms. As so many of you ask "what does your normal week look like?" and I have not yet been able to reply, I thought that I would take this opportunity to address all the normal, everyday questions that I get.
So, what do I eat? Sorry to disappoint you but the food, for me, is fairly similar to what I ate in the States. There is an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables...avocados, mangoes, pineapple, banana, cabbage, tomatoes, corn, green beans... Fruits that are quite expensive for us are very inexpensive here. Take for example my new daily snack: mango. For only $.50 I can have a wonderful, fresh, juicy mango. Or avocado, another $.40 and voila! Guacamole every night. Meat and chicken is really common here as well. Now, regarding the important food like ice cream, chocolate, and cookies, they have them as well! We have a large grocery store here, called Shop Rite, that stocks many of the food that Mzungo's eat.
What is my house like? Ah, I am spoiled. My roommates and I have a very nice house, even by American standards. We have two full bathrooms with running water, 4 bedrooms, a large kitchen, pantry, dining room, common area and utility space. Even more, we have a garage, a roof deck, front porch and back yard. I will take a photo and post soon.
And you have servants? Well, yes. We have a maid that comes in each day and guards who continually watch our home. Let me explain this as it is quite counter to our culture. In many African societies, it is considered selfish if you have the means to afford hired help but do not. Hired help is extremely inexpensive here (I guess about $30 for the guards all week and $15 for the maid) and it is a way to give people who do not have the skills to have a job in the public sector, work. Make any sense? I have to say, I like it. Not having to scrub the shower or wash the dishes everyday is not too bad. As for the guards, yes Mom, it is safe where I live but it is the culturally appropriate thing to do.
What do you wear? In Tanzania, as in much of Africa, the people are much more modest in their dress, especially their skirts. Most women wear ankle length skirts everyday. It is not uncommon to see a woman in trousers in the city, but very uncommon to see a woman wearing pants in a village. Usually, the only women who wear pants in the villages are white.
The women usually wear two types of fabric: kanga or kitenge. They come in all sorts of colors and designs. Kangas are sold in two pieces. One for your top and the other for your bottom. Kitenge are sold in bolts of fabric that are 3, 6 or 10 meters long. These fabrics are then taken to a seamstress who will design a dress, skirt or shirt for you. Seamstresses are very common here and having an outfit made is not expensive at all. In fact, for $16 I can have an entire outfit made (including the fabric). I've got about 6 outfits that were made here. I feel that is makes me fit in much more. Of course, I am still mzungo so I will always be noticed.
What do you do for a social life? While Arusha does not have quite as many social outlets as Scottsdale, there are still many things to do. We have some wonderful, little places to get a coffee or a glass of wine (my favorites being Blue Heron and Coffee Plantation). There is a cinema complex in town that has a bunch of little eateries in it so you can grab a bit before a movie. There are classes that you can take in town to learn how to cook or dance. My gym has salsa lessons on Fridays and broadcasts many of the soccee games to a good crowd. If you don't feel like going out, it is very common to have people over to owns home, much more so than at home. I've met quite a few people and am finally starting to feel like I have a social life.
On a random note, a girlfriend and I are beginning a ladies group that will meet on Saturday mornings. It's more social in nature than anything else. I'm very excited about this. I've met some women from all corners of the globe. At lunch on Sunday, I realized we had at our table a woman from England, Tanzania, New Zealand, Australia and America. A bit diverse, no? Loved it.
Ok, there is so much more that I could share but this post is already quite long. Till next time!
So, what do I eat? Sorry to disappoint you but the food, for me, is fairly similar to what I ate in the States. There is an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables...avocados, mangoes, pineapple, banana, cabbage, tomatoes, corn, green beans... Fruits that are quite expensive for us are very inexpensive here. Take for example my new daily snack: mango. For only $.50 I can have a wonderful, fresh, juicy mango. Or avocado, another $.40 and voila! Guacamole every night. Meat and chicken is really common here as well. Now, regarding the important food like ice cream, chocolate, and cookies, they have them as well! We have a large grocery store here, called Shop Rite, that stocks many of the food that Mzungo's eat.
What is my house like? Ah, I am spoiled. My roommates and I have a very nice house, even by American standards. We have two full bathrooms with running water, 4 bedrooms, a large kitchen, pantry, dining room, common area and utility space. Even more, we have a garage, a roof deck, front porch and back yard. I will take a photo and post soon.
And you have servants? Well, yes. We have a maid that comes in each day and guards who continually watch our home. Let me explain this as it is quite counter to our culture. In many African societies, it is considered selfish if you have the means to afford hired help but do not. Hired help is extremely inexpensive here (I guess about $30 for the guards all week and $15 for the maid) and it is a way to give people who do not have the skills to have a job in the public sector, work. Make any sense? I have to say, I like it. Not having to scrub the shower or wash the dishes everyday is not too bad. As for the guards, yes Mom, it is safe where I live but it is the culturally appropriate thing to do.
What do you wear? In Tanzania, as in much of Africa, the people are much more modest in their dress, especially their skirts. Most women wear ankle length skirts everyday. It is not uncommon to see a woman in trousers in the city, but very uncommon to see a woman wearing pants in a village. Usually, the only women who wear pants in the villages are white.
The women usually wear two types of fabric: kanga or kitenge. They come in all sorts of colors and designs. Kangas are sold in two pieces. One for your top and the other for your bottom. Kitenge are sold in bolts of fabric that are 3, 6 or 10 meters long. These fabrics are then taken to a seamstress who will design a dress, skirt or shirt for you. Seamstresses are very common here and having an outfit made is not expensive at all. In fact, for $16 I can have an entire outfit made (including the fabric). I've got about 6 outfits that were made here. I feel that is makes me fit in much more. Of course, I am still mzungo so I will always be noticed.
What do you do for a social life? While Arusha does not have quite as many social outlets as Scottsdale, there are still many things to do. We have some wonderful, little places to get a coffee or a glass of wine (my favorites being Blue Heron and Coffee Plantation). There is a cinema complex in town that has a bunch of little eateries in it so you can grab a bit before a movie. There are classes that you can take in town to learn how to cook or dance. My gym has salsa lessons on Fridays and broadcasts many of the soccee games to a good crowd. If you don't feel like going out, it is very common to have people over to owns home, much more so than at home. I've met quite a few people and am finally starting to feel like I have a social life.
On a random note, a girlfriend and I are beginning a ladies group that will meet on Saturday mornings. It's more social in nature than anything else. I'm very excited about this. I've met some women from all corners of the globe. At lunch on Sunday, I realized we had at our table a woman from England, Tanzania, New Zealand, Australia and America. A bit diverse, no? Loved it.
Ok, there is so much more that I could share but this post is already quite long. Till next time!
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