From the Field, News
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Sample Bags are Supporting Women’s Empowerment in Kenya
You may have noticed the stunning sample bags we’re including with our green coffee samples. The story behind them is truly extraordinary and we wanted to share it with you.
The bags are produced by Life Beads Kenya, a charitable organization based in Naivasha, Kenya (in Nakuru County). Life Beads Kenya was founded in 2005 and today supports women, disabled people and young people with employment. Many of the women are single mothers or young women without much support.
Participants receive training in a variety of handcrafts including basket weaving, jewelry-making and more. They also learn dressmaking and bagmaking. Life Beads Kenya sells their handmade items in local markets, trade shows and at their onsite shop, and the profits are shared among the participants.
The sample bags that we buy are made from kitenge, a traditional African fabric that’s like a sarong. Women frequently use kitenge to wrap their hair, as a sling to hold babies or to wrap around their waists. As you can see from the sample bags, kitenge are bright and colorful with stunning patterns on them.
We’re proud to partner with Life Beads Kenya to buy these unique sample bags to share with you. Keep an eye out for them in your next sample order. Have thoughts? Comments? Questions? We’d love to hear from you.
