Shanga, Employing People with Disabilities - Ruth Willatt

My guest today on Stories Connect People podcast is Ruth Willatt. Ruth is here to share with you the story and mission of an amazing shop at the Arusha Coffee Lodge in Tanzania, Africa. It's like nothing you've ever heard of. 

The organization and shop is named, Shanga. Ruth will share how it got that name and more importantly the great work and opportunity it provides people with disabilities.

Shanga is a shop and workshop but above all it is a place where disabilities fade into the background and what shines through is the people, their pride they have in their work and the handmade items they put so much love and care into producing. 

Part of Shanga's mission is to focus on sustainability and the handmade items are made from as many recycled items as possible. Ruth will share all of this and some great stories that will touch your heart.

My husband and I had the privileged of seeing this incredible place first hand a couple of years ago and it truly is an inspiring and uplifting place.

I hope you will follow all the great work and read for yourself the stories of the team on Facebook and Instagram. One in particular will have you close to tears of happiness where Mousad's life dream was to scale Mount Kilimanjaro. Some really amazing people made that happen and I just believe that will turn into Part II of this great story. 

For now, welcome Ruth Willatt to Stories Connect People podcast. 

Shanga is a successful social enterprise which employs people with disabilities to create unique, high-quality, handmade jewelry, glassware and home wares incorporating recycled materials. These products are sold in Tanzania and all over the world, with profits being reinvested back into developing opportunities to employ more people with disabilities.

Combining an uplifting local community project with unique artistic activities and opportunities to purchase handmade gifts, Shanga has been a favourite Arusha tourist destination since its inception in 2007. 

Shanga became part of Elewana in 2017 as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility program, with a ongoing commitment to the people of Tanzania. Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge is the home of Shanga, which comprises of an open workshop for glass-blowing, weaving, sewing, Tinga Tinga painting, bead-making and metal work, with a shop showcasing all Shanga’s handmade products.

SHANGA (Located at Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge)

www.shanga.com

https://www.facebook.com/ShangaTanzania

https://www.instagram.com/shanga_tanzania/

Clients worldwide can also support Shanga by purchasing their products. 2020 has seen Shanga develop and achieve a growth in international sales with some of this growth attributed to their relationship with DHL. Currently orders can be placed by emailing [email protected] with the plan by early 2021 to have streamlined the process for customers with new catalogues.

References:

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is annually observed on 3 December to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities and to take action for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development.

Shanga's theme this year is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.