Tanzania
Baraka CHUGO
In the center of Arusha, Tanzania sits Mount Meru Crafts, a cooperative existence of huts where artists and craftspeople sell their goods. Seated cross-legged toward the entrance of this compound is a remarkable woodsman, Baraka Chugo. Baraka spends his days here creating beautiful carved items from high quality wood. Soko Rafiki has developed an ongoing relationship with Baraka to purchase from him hand-carved chess sets, candlesticks and unique statues that reflect African life.
Women in Action
Women in Action is a partner of Global Alliance for Africa based in Arusha, Tanzania. It was started in 1999 by 16 Tanzanian women to address the causes and consequences of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Tanzania. WIA volunteers visit the sick in their homes in and around Arusha and help with childcare, delivery of medicine and other tasks. Their works involved all aspects of care from discussing good nutrition and health to physically cleaning and caring for their patients. WIA also runs a preschool for the children of their patients and volunteers.
WIA's beading and sewing projects are a way for the women to provide income for their families.
Kidoti Soap Project
In a typical mud house in the village of Kidoti on Zanzibar, local women share the lure of their spice soap cooperative.
When crop yields fell in 1992, 21 women put their heads together to stanch the plight of poverty.
Making soap, sold primarily to hotels and tourists, became a lifeline.
"Now mothers help fathers support their families," says cooperative member Hawasimai Khamis, adding each family earns approximately $120 U.S. or 125,000 Tanzanian shillings annually through the enterprise.
What difference does $120 U.S. make?
"We can buy clothing for ourselves and our kids. We're able to buy meat for the first time. It also supports our kids with books and school uniforms," says Kinga Makame, another member of the cooperative.
Made of coconut oil, island spices and caustic soda, the soap is packaged in 2.5-inch square white cardboard boxes. The simple, hand-drawn wrapper reads, 'Zanzibar spice soap from Kidoti Village.'