With each visit to Africa we learn more about the talented artisans with whom we work. Their stories inspire our efforts not only to increase the work we can provide, but also to enhance their communities through education, training or improving the environment.
Eastern Africa:    Ethiopia   |   Kenya   |   Rwanda   |   Uganda  
Western Africa:   Burkina Faso   |   Ghana   |   Mali

Ethiopia
With unemployment in Ethiopia as high as 60%-70% in some areas, the income artisans earn by weaving beautiful textiles or creating intricate silver pieces may be their only chance to sustain their families.

Kenya
Kenya is well known for its incredible scenery that ranges from the plains of Masaai Mara to the peaks of Kilimanjaro. Kenya's real treasure, however, is the warm, colorful people whose craftsmanship in areas such as soapstone, beading and weaving "Kiondo" bags is among the finest in Africa.

Rwanda
Rwanda, a tiny land-locked country in East Africa, is tragically best known for the horrific 1994 genocide that killed nearly one million people. In the immediate aftermath, females represented 70% of the overall population and women have been instrumental in the country's rebuilding. We work with more than 600 women in Rwanda.

Uganda
Often overshadowed by its bigger and better known neighbors, few people are aware of the fine quality products that come from Uganda. A beautiful country with a troubled recent past but promising future, Uganda has a wide array of traditional crafts.

Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation in West Africa, is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the south east, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d'Ivoire to the south west. Formerly called the Republic of Upper Volta, it was renamed in 1984 to mean "the land of upright people." We work with a collection of artisasn who come together at Village Artisinal in the capital of Ougadougou (pronounced wah-gah-doo-goo). It is from here we get our adorable bobble head animals and colorful recycled plastic mat bracelets.

Ghana
Our basket weavers live far from the capital (Accra) in the remote Upper East region of the country. Population density is very high and there are regular food shortages and few opportunities for steady employment. With a tradition of overcoming adversity - Ghana was one of Africa's biggest slave ports - our weavers persevere to make some of the best quality baskets in West Africa.

Mali
This landlocked West African country is home to the legendary city of Timbuktu, an economic and cultural capital equal in historical importance to cities like Rome, Athens, Jerusalem, and Mecca. Once a great trading center, providing the region with great wealth, today Mali is one of the world's poorest nations. Since independence from France in 1960 it has suffered droughts, rebellions, a coup and 23 years of military dictatorship. But since 1992, when its first democratically-elected president took power, Mali has had a civilian government and slowly been improving its fortunes. One of the worlds leading cotton producers, it is no wonder that Mali is particularly known for its uniquely designed mud cloth which is used to make scarves, table runners, toys and many other items. Mali is also well know for jewelry, whether made from ancient stones or recycled car parts!