Bombolulu Workshop-Kenya

This posting is dediacted to Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre which is a programme of The Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK), which operates several workshops and a cultural centre through which it offers social and economic rehabilitation and empowerment of Kenyan peoples with disabilities.

Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre is a self sustaining, non-profit as well as a Fair-Trade organisation.

They have a APDK Programme which seeks to form strategic alliances and partnerships with others to advance and promote its cause.
Bombolulu Workshops is governed by a management committee nominated from the APDK, Coast Branch membership.

The day-to-day running of the workshops and cultural Centre is maintained by the Programme Manager and by members of the management team. The Programme Manager reports directly to the APDK Coast Branch Executive Officer.The Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre was originally set up to empower people with disability both socially and economically, with the aim to assist them in realising their full potential.

Their 'Mission statment' includes:

“A Kenyan community where people with disability are economically and socially empowered and fully integrated into the society.”

“enable persons with disabilities to overcome their physical limitations and empower them economically and socially to become self reliant and fully integrated members of their communities”.

Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre believe that in order to realise and deliver their vision to people with disabilities in Kenya, and for the effectiveness and performance of their work, certain values are necessary to guide their actions. Both their members and their staff understand these values, which are not only aligned to their mission but also distinguish them from other groups with similar goals.

The Workshop and Cultural Centre core Values are:

1) Fairness- To conduct business without fear or favour and in a manner that is fair to all.
2) Excellence - To conduct business in a professional and competent manner. Client confidentiality and excellence in their work are core aspects of their professionalism.
3) Empowerment - As the organization seeks to empower people with disabilities, they truly believe that all processes of our engagement should be empowering. We believe in empowering engagements both with their staff and other stakeholders.
4) Integrity - To conduct business with utmost honesty, integrity, transparency and in an accountable manner. They believe in mutual respect for each and every individual.
5) Learning Organization - To learn from their experience and are always looking for innovative ways of improving our work.
6) Team work - To carry out their work as a team.

The Bombolulu workshop does such a great job of empowering people with particular disabilties.

Mafundi Crafts, which is an accredited retailer of Fair Trade goods in the U.K. has plans to begin stocking products from the workshop with in the next 6-8 weeks, so come and vivit www.mafundi.co.uk for product updates.

Mango True Mirage

In Kenya, handmade crafts are treasured as a source of their rich culture. At Mango, they stand for uniqueness, style, and customized products.

Mango believes in Fair Trade. Their operations are guided by the WFTO (formally IFAT) code of conduct (http://www.wfto.com/ ). As a fair trade principle, Mango always prepays producers up to 50% after confirmation of the order. Mango True Mirage [Mango] was set up in 1998/99 from a genuine desire to give craft producers true representation and status in a marketing and sales organisation.

Mango True Mirage is a producer owned organisation for craft producers. Early 2005, Mango was confirmed as a new member of WFTO, the World Fairtrade Organisation. This is the worldwide movement of fair trade organisations.

Mango has an important logistical role: it places orders with the producers, monitors production, checks quality and packs everything centrally in head office, before distribution by rail from Nairobi container terminal to Mombasa port-Kenya. In addition, Mango does marketing and sales (acquisition, market development) on behalf of their producer groups and takes care of product innovation.

Kenyan handicraft producers have not been strong in finding new markets or in product innovation; Mango plays an important role of marketing and product development. Prices are negotiated based on indicative market prices and on quotes from the producer organisation. From both sides, Mango is aware of basic breakdowns, and then tries to arrive a final price for ordering which is fair to all parties concerned.

As a fair trade organisation, Mango makes sure that their producers always earn more than their cost price so that producers can make a living in return for their efforts. As a fair trade principle, Mango always prepays producers up to 50% after they have confirmed their order. Mango always pays 100% before shipment and after inspection of goods in its own warehouse. Custom-made products can be made to your design specifications in all materials -wood, stone and sisal-, or in combinations of materials. They have experience in collaberating together with designers. Translating ideas and concrete drawings into samples, they "love to make your design become reality."

In order to keep their customers satisfied they offer new products to your inspiration for every season.

For their wooden products they mainly use the Jacaranda and Itula trees from the Machakos and Makueni farm lands in Eastern Kenya. Only mature trees are harvested for wood carving. Mango is very alert on environmental matters. They consequently support reforestation programmes and encourage the producers to minimize wastage of raw materials.

Each product represents the carver’s unique artistic touch, as no two items are exactly the same. This gives the handmade products a unique personality.

The soapstone, called Kisii, is found in western Kenya, in a region called Tabaka. This is the only area where this stone is found in Kenya. Soapstone carving is a significant source of income for the people of this area.

When the Kisii rocks are dug from the quarries, they are rough and brownish. Only under the hands of the carvers they show their soft white quality. Using simple hand tools, the stone is transformed to any possible shape, reflecting the creativity and workmanship of the carvers.
Sisal in Kenya, basket weaving is a great heritage. The 'Kiondo', as the basket is known, is made purely by hand by women, using the age-old skills transferred from mother to daughter.

Locally harvested sisal is combined with other materials like banana fibre to produce a unique, attractive product. The simple shape and natural feel of the basket makes it a classic fashion accessory for women all over the world.
The sisal weaving takes place by women, who are organised into semi-formal ‘self-help’ groups that can hold anything from 10 to 50 members. Each woman makes an end product (usually colourful woven baskets), by hand, and from start to finish, except for the leather straps. These are added by local leather craftsmen. The sisal is a locally available plant. Basket weaving is a traditional skill and practised by women.

Mafundi Crafts is 'offically' Fair Trade

Mafundi Crafts are very proud to announce that we are now an official retailer of Fair Trade goods in the U.K. Please find below some info on BAFTS and the work which they do with in the fair trade market place.

The British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS) is an association of retailers who, although independent, unite in a core purpose which is to bring about fundamental changes in the status of working producers through Fair Trade retailing and campaigning.
Through solidarity and through practical programmes of assistance, BAFTS seeks to strengthen a network of sales channels that are dedicated to its core purpose. It seeks to improve the quality and the quantity of such channels, so that they are better able to contribute towards the building of greater justice and equity in the world. The association and its members support campaigns that increase awareness and understanding of the needs of producer workers and of their rights.

BAFTS currently has one part-time staff person, our Administrator.

There is an elected Board of 5 Directors .


BAFTS is connected to the global Fair Trade Movement through its membership of the WFTO (the World Fair Trade Association) and the Trade Justice Movement. It recognizes the internationally agreed definition of Fair Trade:



Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade.

It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.

Fair Trade organisations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional
international trade.


Why Shop at a BAFTS Fair Trade Shop?


By shopping at a BAFTS retailer you are ensuring that your money is spent on Fair Trade goods. All BAFTS retailers must buy at least 70% of their stock from recognised Fair Trade sources. BAFTS recognises the following sources as Fair Trade: Fairtrade marked products, members of the International Fair Trade Association and BAFTS recognised Importers.
By shopping in a BAFTS shop you will:


Get connected with the people behind the products. BAFTS retailers know about where the product came from and who made it.
BAFTS retailers are independently owned, which means that each shopping experience will be unique.

Ensure the money you spend goes back to supporting the producer, as the BAFTS shop can purchase more Fair Trade goods from those same producers.
By shopping at an independent local business you are supporting the local economy.
Find out more about Fair Trade and Trade Justice from people who know what they are talking about.
Find the biggest selection of Fair Trade products around. See the continuously expanding and improving range of Fair Trade goods- from food to crafts to clothes.

BAFTS’ Broad Aims


Shops work on behalf of producers to help them reach the market on the fairest possible terms
Producers and retailers can earn a decent, fair living through their work.
Our member shops in the UK, supplied by committed importers and wholesalers, have a clear identity and are recognized by consumers.
Our members join campaigning initiatives to promote Fair Trade and Trade Justice, and make our producers’ call for social justice and equity heard.

Mafundi Crafts would like to thank every one for their support, not only of us as a retailer, but of course of the many groups, individuals and organizations across the world that create these fine works of art to whom we would not exist as a business with out.

U.K. Aware 2010

UK Aware, the UK's largest (and only) green consumer show, will be at London Olympia in Earls Court on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 April, offering the public an insight into the steps we can all take to embrace low carbon lifestyles.

A wide range of high-profile speakers and exhibitors are scheduled to attend, including the UK's leading green NGOs and a raft of green consumer brands.

They will be joined in the event's new Green Machines Expo by some of the leading green car manufacturers, including G-Wiz and Lotus. They are expecting over 15,000 visitors, UK AWARE 2010 will offer consumers a ‘one stop shop’ for sustainable living. Attractions include:

•Over 50 world class guest speakers

•Hundreds of exhibitors

•The Green Machines Expo

•The Green Business Surgery

•The Ultimate Clothes Swapping Party

•The Morsbagsinteractive area

•Kids Interactive Area

•GreenTechZone

•Fashion Show

•Electric Bicycle Test Track

Grab your discounted tickets through Mafundi Crafts today!

Trade Aid Integrated

Established in 1998, Trade Aid Integrated aims to address the economic requirments of people in northern Ghana. Trade Aid Integrated is a non-governmental organization in Ghana which was born out of the need for Environmental Protection for the Population, called ENVIROPOP. ENVIROPOP was established initially to educate the public about issues such as the environment and overpopulation.

Northern Ghana is stricken by a poor economic climate and as such the focus became accessibility and equity in the market. Most of the income generating activities to date are those that cause environmental degradation. An example is the environmentally destructive activities of firewood production and charcoal manufacturing; they are major sources of income and at this time indispensable. With economic stability, environmental issues can be addressed.

The Vision of Trade Aid Integrated, which is a member of the African fair trade organization COFTA, is to see vibrant rural enterprises develop around the numerous indigenous livelihoods to generate employment opportunities, and by challenging systems that work against the disadvantaged and to create wealth for the rural poor with out having an adverse effect on the environment.

Basket weaving is one of the ways in which money is generated by indigenous entrepreneurs Round baskets are traditionally the most woven basket among Bolga basket weavers. It is made of vetivar grass and is common to have the handle wrapped with leather. Most of their basket weaver groups are located outside Bolgatanga and are especially good at weaving this type of basket.

The idea for Trade Aid Integrated was hatched in 1994 by an undergraduate student and a native of the Upper East Region of Ghana, Apokerah Nicholas who began by discussing with his colleague students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana on how they could contribute to the development process in their home Region.

In 1997, Nicholas Apokerah conducted a research on the Bolgatanga basket industry. " The theme was the role of the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) in promoting the work of basket weavers". Although the research was meant to satisfy an academic condition for the award of Economics degree, it soon became clear that it was well beyond academic requirement.

Trade Aid Integrated has a seven member Board of Directors, which is made up of four men and three women. There is also a Programs Management team made up of the program coordinators of the three program areas, Market access, Business Development and financial services, Mr. Nicholas Apokerah is the general programs manager and leads the management team. He also manages an office staff of six.

Maritza Quintero-Fair Trade artist from Chile.

The image above is of one of the artisans that produce some of the fair trade items available from Mafundi Crafts (http://www.mafundi.co.uk/)

Maritza Quintero has been producing exquisite works of art in her workshop in the hills of Valparaiso, Chile for more than 10 years. She studied for 5 years at the University of Bellas Artes, in Chile and has since continued to develop her skills by her self.

For more than 3 years now Maritza has been working for COMPARTE which is a Chilean Fair Trade co-operative with member ship to IFAT LA (the Latin American arm of The World Fair Trade Organization.) This has allowed her to offer and there fore produce her wonderful glass ware on a larger scale.

Maritza rarely collaborates with other artisans, as she prefers to follow her own unique style whilst continuously learning and keeping informed about new techniques in design and production. She works seven days a week and up to twelve hours per day, though her sister does help her through especially particularly busy periods such as in April and August.

Whilst it has difficult to learn how to adapt for larger scale production, her switch to a more intensive production process and her capacity for impressive design has resulted in an increase in orders and which has as a result improved her standard of living.

Maritza is now in the position to travel a lot more and via networking and through the assistance of Comparte sells more than 60% of her work over seas.

Her production process consists of cutting, cleaning, designing and enameling glass. These sheets are placed on white clay moulds and then fired in an electric oven at 700°C for six hours.

Through this process, she creates mobiles, candelabras, lamps, incense holders, plates ,necklaces, rings and ashtrays. Further more , she is always seeking new colours to work with, which result in unique that are not only delightfully beautiful, but also highly original.

A selection of her work is available to purchase from our Fair Trade store mafundi crafts.

Mapepa-Hand Made Paper from Africa

Mapepa is based in both Harare, Zimbabwe and Pretoria, South Africa and was established almost twenty years ago. More than a dozen rural communities throughout Southern Africa we provided with simple but effective paper making equipment, on the basis of this action Mapepa (meaning paper) was created.


Local people were then trained in the art of paper making and over the years have developed a unique range of hand made paper and products. Paper technology was introduced initially to the village people of the African Republic of Zimbabwe in 1991as an alternative medium for the manufacture of Arts and Crafts using paper and pulp processed by using sustainable organic village concepts to create self sufficiency and 'African culture' productivity.


The communities are encouraged to work in their own environment's and as such do a lot of work with in their home lives. Materials are collected by the individual communities - materials that are both sustainable and bountiful close to their homes. From the sheet paper that is made from these materials talented local artists produce sophisticated items that use traditional African tools such as the duri and guyo which are known and available to their communities.

The objective of the organization is to promote and support small-scale paper production via community based projects which are dispersed throughout the country.

Through workshops Mapepa encourage individual designers to create new designs that make the products imaginative, full of character and unique in their design. The communities are taught skills that help them attain financial Independence by master paper makers who train the villagers in the ancient art of paper making using simple equipment that has been donated by the organization. Workshops are ongoing, teaching the communities the importance of creating and working in a Fair Trade environment.

Mapepa has given hope to hundreds of marginalized producers and villagers, mostly women with young families who are trained to make paper using indigenous plant fibers that flourish close to their homes.


Since its conception Mapepa has established and expanded growing into rural districts, rehabilitation centres , offering training to a broad cross section of organizations with in Zimbabwe and other countries in the region that work with young, old men and women, Eco- artists, environmentalists and farmers who are all working together for a sustainable Africa.


Designers produce unique hand made Paper of high quality with out the aid of chemicals or imported components and produce such innovative products as paper furniture, Wall paper, lamp shades, wall hangings, vases, waste baskets, picture frames, place mats and much more.


Mapepa continues to expand practicing Fair Trade principles and supplying Fair Trade markets around the world, now having the the capability to produce more that one ton of hand made paper for the printing packaging, arts and crafts industries. Mapepa is a member of COFTA.

See our previous post about COFTA for further details.