Crafted
“Crafted” is an enterprise which will allow Vision Africa to build on the skills and talents of Seed of Hope graduates and students as well as some of the older children from other projects.By providing an outlet for handmade products not only will the individuals gain income for their work, Vision Africa will receive the profits from sales to allow us to continue assisting disadvantaged children in Kenya.
Crafted Administrator, Maureen Mwende, is a graduate of Seed of Hope Nairobi who has gained retail experience in the 3 years since she graduated. Under her guidance, a team of girls known as “Crafters” create products to be sold at events, to retail outlets or as one-off designs at the request of a client. At the moment, the focus is on jewellery and clothing.
The range of jewellery has been divided into three collections. “The Collection” will run in line with the fashion seasons and will feature unique ideas at affordable prices. “The Originals” collection is based on some of the items that were given a test drive last year, along with some new twists that have been added by the first group of Crafters, as we’re calling the graduates who are involved in producing the items. Finally, the “Child to Child” collection incorporates simple necklaces and bracelets made by students and children for children. These allow our youngsters to gain experience of basic techniques, earn some money and at the same time their efforts contribute towards raising funds for the Vision Africa projects from which they benefit.
Readers in Kenya can take advantage of the second aspect of Crafted. Clothes can be designed and tailor-made by Seed of Hope graduates who have now set up their own businesses. Whether it’s an outfit for a special occasion such as a wedding or party, an eye-catching one-off design for a performance or simply something to update your wardrobe, Crafted can meet your requirements.
Crafted not only offers customers exquisite hand-crafted items such as jewellery, clothing and accessories it also builds the teenagers in several ways:
Crafted allows them to gain financially. All Crafted produce is made by graduates of our programs and they are paid fairly for their services. They are able to reinvest this money in their own small business or savings plan
Crafted provides opportunities, including workshops to broaden their skills and knowledge base.
Crafted allows them to gain experience in all areas of managing a small business and interacting with customers.
All profits of Crafted are reinvested in the Seed of Hope Centres and Vision Africa programmes, enabling more teenagers to be trained for self-reliance.
For those of you who don’t live in Kenya, there are still several ways in which you can support our new enterprise. We are currently putting together packs to allow supporters to host “Crafted Parties” where guests can learn more about the work of Vision Africa and buy some beautiful handmade jewellery at the same time.
In addition to this, we have some volunteers who have offered to sell our products at local events and craft fairs – we will keep you updated with any we hear of. Our products could also be used as corporate gifts for events or unique wedding favours!Over time, it is anticipated that Crafted will expand its range of products and involve more of our projects. For the moment though, we’re looking for support, feedback and CUSTOMERS!!!
For more information about this enterprise of if you would like to support it or get involved, please use our contact form and select “Crafted” as the recipient.
Please also checkout The Gallery for some examples of Crafted products.