Bombolulu Workshops, Kenya
Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre is located in Mombasa, Kenya, and works with more than 100 people with different disabilities. They work with the artisans to help them overcome their physical limitations and empower them economically and socially to become fully integrated members of their communities. Many of the participants live in the compound, where they also receive social benefits such as a Medical Clinic, Nursery School, Social Hall, Sports, HIV Prevention, etc.
This nonprofit organization produces crafts and gives vocational training to people with special abilities. They have 4 sheltered workshops, producing a range of jewelry, textile, wood and leather products. An on-staff designer creates new products, including the trademark Bombolulu recycled materials design pieces.
Global Village Nanaimo tries to place an order with this group every year. However, communication is often a challenge and we aren't always successful.
Mwanamtama Abdalla’s Story
Mwanamtama is an artisan with Bombolulu and has been in a wheelchair since she lost use of her legs due to polio as a child. The disease left her with weak bones, so she is unable to bear children of her own.
But this didn’t stop her becoming a fantastic mother. She adopted 2 children and regularly looks after he niece and nephew in their school holidays.
With such a disability Mwanamtama would have found it very difficult to provide for herself let alone live the full life that looking after her children brings. She joined Bombolulu in 1993 and has been making Fair Trade jewelry since, earning a fair wage.
In her words: “I feel terrible when I see disable people in the streets begging. I am so lucky to be here, safe, secure and with a chance to live a full life.” (source:peopletree.co.uk)