Our Story
Shanga was founded in 2007 in Arusha, Tanzania when a local resident made a handful of fabric necklaces for a Christmas Fair.. Combining local fabric with beads and her sons' marbles, she created a unique necklace that sold out within hours. The days after the fair were busy with - orders coming in for the necklaces from safari companies and gift shops. Shanga, the Swahili word for bead, was born.
The demand for the necklaces opened up the opportunity for a local deaf woman to gain employment, initially working from a backyard. Demand for the necklace continued and soon the first Shanga workshop was established. The Shanga range of products was expanded, utilising recycled and sustainable materials where possible, and the project was opened for people to come and meet the staff and purchase products on-site.
From its humble beginnings, Shanga has grown into a self-sustaining social enterprise training and employing 34 people with disabilities to produce creative products including weaving, glass blowing, beading, paper making and metal work, using recycled materials wherever possible.
Our staff happily have a beautiful and safe working space where they can continue to demonstrate their abilities to visitors from around the world.
Our Philosophy
Throughout Shanga’s journey, the heart of our message, “Be kind and recycle” remains.
Shanga’s aim is not only to provide employment opportunities to those that need them most but also to remove the stigma that people with disabilities often face in East Africa. By providing a safe and supportive environment, and employment opportunities, Shanga is providing an opportunity for those that have previously been marginalized by society a chance to contribute to their families and community.
When visiting Shanga the focus of “ability over disability” is in evidence everywhere. Of no lesser importance is making amazing products from discarded materials so that we can contribute positively to the sensitive Tanzanian environment while producing creative pieces that celebrate Tanzanian culture.
Meet Our People
Meet some of our inspiring staff who make Shanga so special. Hover over the images to read each of their stories.