June 4th
So let's talk progress. When I first started working with the mbita
group the women were makig baskets. Good baskets, mind you, but not
the kind that give a strong return price with their 16+ hour
production time.
We've tried many things in less than 3 weeks and we're turning out
great things. The products, themselves, show progress, but they don't
show the greater victory. The women now know how creative they really
are. They know how to make the steps from small idea to production.
I'm super impressed by how far they've come. I feel like a teacher and
I had no idea how rewarding that could be.
I've fallen in love with each and every one of the widows. I will miss
them dearly as I leave this weekend.
So on the line we have about 4 new items. The first is just a tweak.
We have utilized their expertise is banana leaf and added some
touches. Coasters with the traditional materials and katenge fabric or
maze bag circles sewen to the tops. The colors and patterns for each
are great. Next, we thought about the island and what that could give
us. Shells. Necklaces made from the large, obscure, clam shells and
bangles made from painted snail shells. Honsetly, they're so cool I
can't deny it. Last and most ambitions, I've set them up to make lamp
shades. I made wood and nail jigs for the wire and they can make them
without any power or serious tools. Nothing but a pair of plyers.
Again, I've never been so proud. Pictures to follow
-cheers
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