Old glass bottles become elegant drinkware, fabric scraps turn into bold scarves, and recycled beads shine as jewelry—sustainability meets craftsmanship. forbes.com
From Waste To Works Of Art: Inside Tanzania’s Shanga Workshop
Two Foundations Unite for an Evening of Celebration: Empowering Individuals with Disabilities and Dyslexia
In a heartwarming display of collaboration and support, two esteemed foundations—Shanga, which focuses on empowering people with disabilities, and Dyslexia Tanzania, dedicated to spreading awareness about Dyslexia and other learning differences—came together for an unforgettable evening of celebration, shared purpose, and mutual respect in October.
This landmark event took place at the Arusha Corridor Springs Hotel and attracted a diverse crowd of supporters, advocates, and individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by both organisations. Our Mayor, Mh. Maxmillian Matle, highlighted the power of community, education, and resilience during the evening. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Caudence Ayoti, the founder of Dyslexia Tanzania, who spoke passionately about their mission and the importance of collaboration in driving social change. She expressed hope for a future where every individual, regardless of their abilities or learning differences, is empowered to reach their full potential. Together, we can create a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Guests enjoyed a series of inspiring performances from individuals, groups, and schools showcasing their talents.
A highlight of the evening was a performance by the deaf choir from Shanga, which conveyed an inspiring story through dance and sign language, accessible to all attendees thanks to an interpreter’s skills.
The fusion of dance, music, and community served as a powerful reminder of how diverse abilities enrich our society. This event underscored the idea that while challenges are unavoidable, the power of community, support, and understanding can transform lives.
Through continued collaboration, Dyslexia Tanzania and Shanga are not just advocating for change; they are embodying it and inspiring others to join them on the journey toward a more inclusive and empowering future for all.
A Special Moment with HRH Sophie Helen, Duchess of Edinburgh.
Last week, we had the honor of hosting HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh at Shanga, where our talented team created a unique scarf just for her. After three days of meticulous craftsmanship, we were thrilled to present it to her. It was a joy to capture this moment with our dedicated staff, showcasing the beauty of local craftsmanship and the connection we build through our art.
Members of our beading team presented the beautiful scarf to the Duchess.
Thank you, HRH Sophie Helen, Duchess of Edinburgh for your appreciation and for supporting our mission!
Emanuel and his Father visited Shanga in the hopes to secure a wheelchair.
Emanuel was born in Ngusero Village in Arusha 23 years ago and has 2 younger siblings. He was born disabled, and due to his family's financial struggles they did not have the funds to buy him a wheelchair when he became mobile, but at the age of 5, Emanuel had his first wheelchair. Sadly, Emanuel grew out of the wheelchair as he got older and has been without any form of mobility aid for many years.
Due to the financial struggles and Emanuel's inability to get around, he has never been to school and Emanuel still lives at home with his parents. The family is extremely close, and his parents have approached many organisations looking for a wheelchair for their energetic son.
Due to the generous donations from the local government during the Uhuru Torch event, Shanga had one wheelchair remaining which we gladly donated to Emanuel.
Shanga has now donated its final wheelchair, however, that does not prevent our disabled community from knocking on our door and asking for assistance. It is heartbreaking to turn anyone away, and we emplore the generous public to please assist with any form of donation - new or pre-loved wheelchairs, any kind of walking aids, cash donations to put towards purchasing these much needed aids - we accept all with our heartfelt thanks.
Empowering Resilience and Compassion: The Inspiring Story of Omari Jumanne Rajabu
In a world where adversity often crosses with unwavering determination, the tale of Omari Jumanne Rajabu stands as a beacon of resilience and hope. Born in 1990, Omari began on a journey filled with promise and potential, demonstrating his expertise as a mechanic and bodybuilder.
However, fate intervened in 2014, altering Omari's trajectory through a tragic hit-and-run accident that claimed his left leg. Struggling to afford a prosthetic replacement, Omari faced unemployment and confinement, struggling with the plain realities of his new circumstances.
In 2017, Omari's path converged with Shanga, an esteemed arts and crafts enterprise based in Arusha,Tanzania. Through their support and training, Omari found solace and purpose as an exceptional weaver, overcoming his limitations and providing for his family.
Touched by Omari's resilience, The Tanzanite Experience, Tanzania’s leading Tanzanite retailer, extended their hand in support. Their generous contribution facilitated Omari's prosthetic leg upgrade, demonstrating the transformative power of compassion and collective action.
Adopting a vision of purchase with a cause, the Tanzanite Experience envisions the company's role as both adorning customers with exquisite gems and contributing to the welfare of individuals like Omari and the broader Tanzania community through organizations like Shanga.
As Omari continues to navigate his journey, his persistent spirit lights the path ahead. Despite the challenges, his story serves as a testament to the determined human spirit in the face of adversity.
As Helen Keller aptly noted, "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it." The Tanzanite Experience remains steadfast in their commitment to bolstering Omari on his journey towards a brighter future, reminding us all of the resilience that fosters hope and the boundless potential of the human spirit.
DONATION TO COMMUNITY
Young Twalha Ramadhan Iddi is full of smiles as he receives his very first wheelchair!
Twalha was born without the ability to walk, and his mother is his sole caregiver and has been lifting and carrying him every day for the past 16 years of his life.
Twalha's mother has been struggling to support her little family, and there were no additional finances to purchase any kind of mobility aid for her son as her focus has been feeding her family and paying for Twalha's education. He is currently attending Elerai Secondary School in Arusha and is in form one. Twalha has been struggling to attend school as he relied solely on his mother to carry him to school, and would often arrive late.
His mother was told to come to Shanga, and on the 9th of April 2024 she brought Twalha to Shanga and told us her story.
Shanga was not going to let this young man continue to struggle, and he was given a brand new wheelchair.
We have been following up with Twalha and his mother, and the wheelchair has changed both of their lives. His mother has more time for herself, and Twalha is independent and loving the freedom of getting around, he gets himself to school, and his wheelchair is a big hit amongst his friends as they take turns to push him around. He is so much happier and thriving at school!
An Artist and Educator Brian Frus
Shanga was fortunate to have the expertise of Brian Frus, an artist and an educator from Maine, USA.
Brian brought with him a wealth of knowledge on glass blowing and various techniques as he started working with glass in 1996 and is extremely passionate about the art form.
Being an educator and having his own workshop, Brian quickly became a part of the Shanga glass blowing team and worked side by side our team to learn our techniques and our products, and then was able to expand on these and teach our team a different way of thinking and looking at glass with fresh eyes and a new perspective.
During his 3 weeks at Shanga the creativity and generosity of skills and time from Brian is a gift the Shanga team will be talking about for a very long time. The new skills the team has learnt are being put into practice every day, and our team has a new energy and zealousness.
WORLD DISABILITY DAY 2023
This year Shanga celebrated the World Disability Day at Sibusiso Arumeru Arusha
on the 1st of December.
This organisation assists children with mental disabilities with education, medical care, physical therapy and nutritional support.
Shanga donated 27 boxes of sanitary pads for the female students with
mental disabilities.
Shanga's deaf choir entertained the crowds at the celebration with 2 songs that they have been rehearsing over the past few weeks, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance and the day celebrating together which focused on the theme of an "Inclusive and Equal World" for all.
Arusha Christmas Fair 24th and 25th November
Shanga attended the local Arusha Christmas Fair this past weekend, and we certainly made a splash show casing our beautiful new products that our talented team have been working on!
We had the perfect location at the fair whereby every guest that entered the fair had an opportunity to view and purchase the perfect Christmas gift and peruse at leisure, while enjoying a quick chat about recreating certain items in their favourite colour!
The feedback from the public was incredibly warm and encouraging and we were thrilled to be back at the Christmas Fair.
Two Former Presidents Visited Shanga
There was buzz in the air of Shanga this July when not one, but two former presidents visited Shanga!
We welcomed the former president of Mozambique, Mr Joaquim Chissano, and the former president of Sierra Leone, H.E Dr Ernest Bai Koroma.
The former presidents were given a tour of Shanga, and they graciously engaged with our staff.
Both former presidents expressed how impressed they were with the work Shanga does with and for the disabled community, and shared their hope that other businesses would follow Shanga's example.
Shanga’s beading expert helps local Maasai ladies with beadwork
Shanga's beading expert Amani recently spent a few days at the Lemoti Maasai Boma teaching the Maasai ladies how to refine their beadwork. This was a collaborative effort between the boma, Shanga and the Land & Life Foundation.
Amani focused the training around making the colourful beaded cuffs for Elewana guest water bottles and the Tarangire Treetops turndown gifts which all guests receive before departing the camp.
The Maasai ladies and the boma leader, Toima, expressed how fortunate and excited they were to have beading training with Amani. In their own words "we are confident now to make quality pieces that will ensure business sustainability, especially all the new beading techniques and quality of the beads".
Maasai women are artisans and in the modern world they have transformed their beading skills into a business. This enables them to have a sustainable income where they can prioritise the needs of their family, as most of the money they make from beading is for food and sending their children to school. In some cases, some can even own cattle by selling the bead work.
Photography training with donated cameras and an old laptop
Developing new skills through training is essential to our business model. We are consistently working toward having all the skills required in-house to make Shanga a success rather than reliant on external specialists. Having proficient and skilled photographers in-house has always been a goal. Late 2020, Shanga was awarded the Best Sustainability Award Winner for the 2019 Minor Sustainability Award. Part of the award was a small financial award, which was put towards photography training.
We found the right person with Roshni Lodhia, to run a four day program with three members of our Shanga team - George, Jackson and Calvin.
The workshop covered photography principles such as composition, lighting and camera settings as well as post-production editing. We focused on three main photographic subjects: glass products, textiles and faces.
“I was thrilled when I was asked to design a photography workshop for a team of Shanga staff. As a conservation and documentary photographer based in Arusha, this was my chance to share the skills I'd learned over the years.” - Roshni Lodhia
George, Jackson and Calvin were eager and enthusiastic learners. The mornings were spent in a classroom setting and the afternoons taking images around the Shanga workshop. There was learning, discovery, discussions and a lot of laughter.
“Empowering Shanga staff to learn an additional skill like photography is fantastic for both their personal growth and for Shanga to have an internal photographer!” - Roshni Lodhia
George, Jackson and Calvin were equally enthusiastic about the workshop, noting that “Roshni listened to our ideas and her compassion for teaching made us better students.” In addition, all were really impressed that Roshni “constantly showed different techniques to produce better photos.”
A huge thanks from all of us to Roshni for sharing her skills and knowledge. We look forward to seeing the images George, Jackson and Calvin produce. We are proud of their newfound skills, as well as the passion and commitment they have brought to expanding their skill sets and roles at Shanga.
Imagine what our team could do with up to date technology and equipment. Maybe we have the next “Jimmy Nelson“ in the making.
Reflections on 2020
What a year with highs, lows, and everything in between!
This year has presented challenges for everyone. It would have been easy to focus on the difficulties but at Shanga we chose a different route. With your support and generosity we explored and implemented diversification activities and increased our exposure around the world. This approach has supported our team during these unpresented times.
What has this looked like:-
SUPPORT from the local community by taking part in our “Empty the Glass Containers” campaign.
GROWING international customers.
ESTABLISHING new Shanga stockists.
DONATIONS from individuals, community organizations and businesses including: Dwelling (www.dwellingjh.com) (USA), Sunnybrook Community Church (USA) and the Elewana Collection Pamoja Fund.
This year’s highlights:
Invited to join the UN Facilities, Arusha to celebrate international Women’s Day 2020.
Mount Kilimanjaro was climbed by Masoud, one of our amazing team members. Seeing him achieve a life-long dream was very special.
Played and started to build our internal Glass Garden.
Awarded the Minor Groups 2019 Best Sustainability Award.
Celebrated International Day for People with Disabilities.
Trained all the Shanga team in health and nutrition for them and their families.
From all the team at Shanga we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for standing with and encouraging us. This assisted in giving us strength and keeping us motivated. As we bid farewell to 2020, we look forward to sharing our ongoing journey with you. Wishing you and your families a happy, safe and peaceful holiday season.
Masoud climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2020
“Accessible Together” was one of the taglines for this adventure, it also “brought together” people from around the globe.
As a school student Masoud’s desire to scale Mount Kilimanjaro was ignited. He was reluctant to voice this dream with others as he felt they would think him crazy given his physical stature. The sharing of this dream with his “newly adopted family” at Shanga where he works, began in 2019 after he had been there for a few years. He knew his Shanga Family would embrace his dream, not ridicule it. Here is how it all came together.
In February 2020, James Lassner, Executive Director of FAISR, who organized the largest delegation of disabled climbers to reach the top of Kilimanjaro, visited Shanga. This visit was suggested to Jamie by Stephanie Diamond, who had visited the workshop during a trip to Tanzania in November 2019, as Shanga aligned so perfectly with FAISR’s mission. During this visit Jamie met Masoud and made him a promise after he shared that he had lived at the foot of Kilimanjaro all his life but never had the opportunity to climb it. Now, because of FAISR, Popote Africa Adventures, Shanga and Sami Diamond (Stephanie’s daughter), he was the first little person to reach the Roof of Africa at 5,885 metres and fulfil a life’s dream. What neither Jamie nor Stefanie anticipated, was how much that one visit would change someone else’s life.
Ruth Willatt, Business Development Consultant, Shanga, explained the continuation of the domino effect. "Throughout life connections, comments and promises are made but at times they are not made by people with as much integrity as Jamie Lassner. I met Jamie in 2020 when he visited Shanga, our meeting led to a promise to support Masoud achieve his life long dream to scale Mount Kilimanjaro. Through Jamie's tenacity and connections, Masoud's epic journey is happening. Over the last few months Masoud, with support of his friends, family and Shanga, has trained daily, and spoken often about the upcoming adventure but on the day of his departure his excitement was so overwhelming it left him speechless. This never happens. Supported by Sabino Kweka and his team from Popote Africa Adventures, Masoud commenced climbing the mountain on Sunday, 6th September 2020.” Ruth continued: “A special thanks goes to Sami, who has not yet had the opportunity to travel to Tanzania, but has a caring heart and made it her mission to see that our Masoud, whom she has never met, reaches his goal and fulfilled his dream.”
Due to the pandemic and curtailed international travel, FAISR conducted a virtual 19,341 ft climb, roll, walk, or run to raise funds and awareness on how to make the world accessible together. In Tanzania, Masoud completed the virtual event with the comradery of his friends from Shanga and to commence training without yet having a set date for the climb. Sami, an 11 year old from New Jersey, USA participated by biking and walking her 19,341 ft and simultaneously decided as part of her Bat Mitzvah (coming of age) celebration, she would make bracelets to raise funds to sponsor Masoud to climb Kilimanjaro. Sami’s success assisted Masoud, a man she’s never met and who lives 7,500 miles away, to etch his name into history and become the first little person to scale Mount Kilimanjaro.
Sami said: “Although I’m not able to be with Masoud physically, I thought about him all week long. My heart was on Kilimanjaro helping him climb to the top, and that felt really great.” Sami continued with sharing a learnt life lesson: “Masoud taught me the importance of having a dream and facing your fears head on. This showed me the power of focusing on the fact that almost anything is possible. Masoud clearly showed me that #EverybodyCanBeASuperstar.”
“Sami is a bundle of positive energy and blessed with wisdom beyond her years. In her words and deeds, she taught us much about assisting to make the world a better place. We are humbled that Sami has made Masoud’s dream come true, allowing him to climb the tallest peak in Africa and return safely.” Lassner continued: “We have much to learn from our youth and Sami is a natural lively leader”.
Sabino Kweka, General Director of Popote Africa Adventures in Tanzania, who organized the February FAISR trip, arranged for Masoud to join a small team of German trekkers, Dr Chris & Dr. Ulricht, who commenced their trek on Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho Route on Sunday 6th September. Thank you to both of them for including Masoud in their trekking adventure.
Sabino added: “After we completed the record breaking Kili climb in February 2020, we went to the remarkable and creative Shanga. Ruth and Jamie met while the rest of the trekkers shopped. From that meeting came our joint cooperation to make Masoud’s dream come true." He excitedly added: "We look forward to celebrating this personal milestone with Masoud and Masoud’s global accomplishment of being the first little person to reach the peak of our Mount Kilimanjaro. Accessible travel is important especially when we have the tallest free standing mountain in Africa that is reachable by all who wish to trek it.”
Omari Paramaba, Masoud’s guide from Poptote, texted Lassner as they entered the Londorossi Gate: “I am very excited to climb with Masoud. My goal is to get to the top together, and I know we can do it. We will make it a September to Remember.” Omari, Shani (the other guide specifically for Masoud) and Masoud, made a strong and firming connection quickly, “we are now brothers for life”. Omari and Shani are known for giving trekkers nicknames, Masoud’s in now “Mfalme Mamba - King Crocodile” due to his strong and muscled legs and inner strength. We can happily report Masoub is extremely proud of his new title.
Masoud, fellow trekkers and the team arrived back on Sunday, September 13 about 9.30am exiting the Kilimanjaro National Park at the Mweka Gate. Though totally exhausted Masoud, not only found additional energy to share and celebrate his achievement with his friends and colleagues from Shanga, he then sparked up to do an interview with a team from AYO TV.
Masoud, Mfalme Mamba, Shanga’s Hero. Masoud’s message to everyone involved is “Asantini sana sana sana,” (Thank you many times over).
If you would like further information about the trek here contact details:
FAISR: James Lassner 347-987-8700 jamie@faisr.org FAISR.org
Sami: Stefanie Diamond StefDiamond@gmail.com
Shanga: Ruth Willatt developement@shanga.org shanga.org
Popote Africa: Sabino Kweka sabi@popoteafrica.com popoteafrica.com
AYO TV’s Interview and video https://youtu.be/ub9yEmEkev0
What has your quiet time looked like?
I smile and laugh when asked this question. Currently, the days at Shanga look different with no two the same but they are all full, busy and productive. This is reflected in the versatility of our team and their willingness to adapt and try new things. Hamisi and Rajabu, two of our glass blowers are now training in metal work and welding. Basley, our master glass bead maker, and Hawa, one of our weavers, are learning jewelry making and beading techniques. Emmaculate, who is an amazing beader, is learning how to do Tinga Tinga paintings. These are just a few examples of the team’s adaptability and we are so impressed with their new skills.
This versatility was so clearly demonstrated when we received an order for a beaded chandelier from the Grumeti Fund. Our production schedule was tight, so on any one day we had up to 25 people working on it. To the team's credit, we delivered a few days ahead of schedule. The Grumeti Fund shared this image of the chandelier hanging in its new home. Measuring 810cm by 860cm, the image does not do the chandelier justice in showing its true size.
We also supplied several other decorative pieces, including vases, glass lamp shades and light fittings. You can see more information on the Grumeti Fund’s amazing project here:
https://www.grumetifund.org/blog/updates/eco-friendly-furniture-at-rise/. A big thanks to the Grumeti Fund team for including Shanga in their work.
Exciting, Shanga was featured in an international publication! The Bloomberg Businessweek published an article featuring bespoke dining ware and a number of Shanga pieces were highlighted. To be included in an article by Mark Ellwood alongside the likes of The Invisible Collection, George Jensen, Inkorporate, and Eamonn O’Sullivan just to name a few, was an incredible moment for the team.
You can read the article here:
Bespoke Place Settings for the Ultimate Exclusive Dinner Party
Until next time, please stay safe and healthy and don’t forget to check our Facebook and Instagram for more regular news.
https://www.facebook.com/ShangaTanzania https://www.instagram.com/shanga_tanzania/
Will you love everything about this news? We do.
Artisan Products Handmade in Tanzania with Love
Just as the world’s circumstances were changing Shanga was contacted by Radhika Chavda, with an idea of setting up a UK based online shop for Artisan products made in Tanzania. It is with great excitement Radhika’s hard work has all come to fruition with the launching of https://www.thehandmademarket.co.uk/
A few words from Radhika:
“I first visited Tanzania back in 2007. What struck me most, above all else, was how happy everyone was; the smile on people's faces was just so wonderful to see. Whether they were working in an air-conditioned supermarket or selling fruit by the roadside, their joy was in evidence.
I had the most amazing trip. I sunbathed in Zanzibar, ate the most delicious local food in Dar es Salaam and saw incredible wildlife in the Serengeti. To complete this wonderful experience I met the man I was to marry.
A year later, it was time for a change. I left England for Tanzania, got married and life has been amazing ever since.
Now based back in England, Tanzania will always hold fond memories for me. The people, places and landscape can't be forgotten. I seize every opportunity to visit and someday hope to retire there. The wonderful people of Tanzania made such an impact, I wanted to do more, and my new business is a way to offer continuing support.
Tanzania has the most incredibly skilled crafts people who use local sourced materials to create truly unique products, which most importantly are made with love.
After a visit to Tanzania you never truly leave. There's something about the country that holds your heart forever. My mission is to bring these beautiful products to wherever you are in the world.”
Shanga would like to thank Radhika for including us in her new venture. To all our UK based friends please support Radhika, support us, Mwani and AfriCraft.
Website: www.thehandmademarket.co.uk Email: radhikachavda@icloud.com
Shanga by Elewana Collection shortlisted for 2019 Tourism for Tomorrow Award
Shanga by Elewana Collection has been selected as one of 3 finalists for the ‘Investing in People’ Tourism for Tomorrow Awards from the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Shanga is a social enterprise based in Arusha Tanzania that trains and employs people with disabilities to produce high quality handmade craft items - glass blowing, beading and other activities, the interactive workshop is located on the grounds of Elewana Arusha Coffee lodge.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) announced the 15 finalists for its 2019 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards on the 15th January 2019. The finalists are organised into the following new categories: Climate Action, Investing in People, Destination Stewardship, Social Impact and Changemakers.
The WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, now in their fifteenth year, showcase business practices of the highest standards that balance the needs of ‘people, planet and profits’ within the Travel & Tourism sector.
All 15 finalists illustrate a strong commitment to supporting change, transformation in business practices and consumer behaviour towards a more environmentally conscious sector.
Following a rigorous three-phase judging process, which includes an onsite evaluation, winners of the 2019 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards will be announced during the awards ceremony at the 19th WTTC Global Summit in Seville, Spain from 2 – 4 April 2019.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said, “This year’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards shine the spotlight on those organisations which are leading the way in sustainable Travel & Tourism. They reflect WTTC’s Strategic Priorities of Climate Action, Destination Stewardship, Future of Work, and Social Responsibility. As pioneers in the world of Travel & Tourism I applaud all these finalists on their business philosophies and encourage the wider sector to look to them as leading examples for the future of sustainable travel.”
Awards Lead Judge, Prof. Graham Miller, Executive Dean and Professor of Sustainability in Business, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Surrey said, “The shortlisted projects and businesses demonstrate community development, sustainable employment practices, female empowerment, innovative environmental technology and protection of land and marine wildlife as well as positively contributing to the broader Sustainable Development Goals. Their efforts in these areas are a beacon to the rest of the travel sector in signalling the way to a more sustainable world.”
The finalists of the 2019 WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, which is headline sponsored by AIG Travel for the fourth year are:
Investing in People Award, for organisations demonstrating leadership in becoming an exciting, attractive, and equitable employer in the sector:
· Shanga by Elewana Collection, Tanzania
· Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, India
· Reserva do Ibitipoca, Brazil
Climate Action Award, for organisations undertaking significant and measurable work to reduce the scale and impact of climate change:
· Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
· The Brando, Tetiaroa Private Island, Tahiti
· Tourism Holdings Limited, New Zealand
Destination Stewardship Award, for organisations helping a place to thrive and bring forward its unique identity for the benefit of its residents and tourists:
· Grupo Rio da Prata, Brazil
· Masungi Georeserve, Philippines
· St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council, St. Kitts and Nevis
Social Impact Award, for organisations working to improve the people and places where they operate:
· Awamaki, Peru
· Intrepid Group, Australia
· Nikoi Island, Indonesia
Changemakers Award, this year focused on organisations fighting the illegal wildlife trade through sustainable tourism:
· Kelompok Peduli Lingkungan Belitung (KPLB), Indonesia
· SEE Turtles, USA
· The Cardamom Tented Camp, Cambodia
The winner of each category will be determined by the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2019 Winners’ Selection Committee, chaired by Fiona Jeffery OBE, Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Chair and Founder & Chairman, Just a Drop.
Fiona Jeffery OBE said, “The role of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards is to inspire and educate. They identify responsible leadership in our industry and outstanding role models from which best practices can be learnt and built. Our role is to spread this knowledge and encourage a broader appreciation of environmental and ethical governance which helps drive a growing commitment to sustainable tourism practices, so they become part of the DNA of our industry and not the exception.”
To find out more about the finalists, go to the 2019 Tourism for Tomorrow Finalists page.
Diamond In The Rough
Evans is a storyteller and driving force behind “My Africa”. He approached Shanga to consider being included on his social media platform. He found out about Shanga while researching places of interest based in Arusha that fit the brief for his short documentaries. My Africa's platform is to highlight positive and inspiring stories behind organisations across Africa.
We can all agree Shanga is such a place.
The resulting video highlights Shanga’s history, our focus on ability over disability, some members of the Shanga family and their achievements. The beautiful presentation demonstrates Evans artistic talents while illustrating the Shanga Story including part of our mission which is to spread kindness to everyone.
Our sincere thanks to him and his team for thinking of us and including us in his series.
Introducing Our Newest Member Of Staff!
We are very excited to announce the newest member of our staff, Amber Derocher. Amber’s position is Design and Sales Manager. She is creative, hardworking, enthusiastic, an excellent team player, and very social; perfect qualities for this position! Her role is to review and update the current Shanga shop, workshop, and product designs, and to generally oversee Shanga sales.
Mini Bio:
Amber was born in the United States, where she lived for three years prior to moving abroad. Her growing up years were spent in France, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, and Kenya. Growing up was quite an adventure for her!
She attended and graduated high school in Nairobi, Kenya, and later joined Hope College in Michigan, USA. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree, she then returned to Kenya where she taught at Rosslyn Academy. The following years were spent volunteering and working in various capacities in the United States, Thailand, and Tanzania. Throughout her travels, she spent time appreciating and participating in various forms of creative expression around the world.
During a previous visit to Arusha, Amber heard about Shanga through Sarah Rejman, the director and founder of The Plaster House. One day, Sarah told her “I think you have just the right kind of magic for Shanga”. Prior to her conversation with Sarah, Amber knew nothing about Shanga, and therefore immediately planned a visit to Shanga for a tour from our guides. Upon her arrival to Shanga, and after meeting all of the beautiful people and seeing their creative expression, she thought, “I have to work here”, and here she is today, our very own designer!
Her goal is to learn more about Shanga and what it means to have a disability in the context of Shanga, and in the greater Tanzanian community. She hopes all the new things she learns will further inspire a creative, understanding, inviting, and beautiful place to work and to visit. She is also eager to work together with the talented Shanga staff to create unique, appealing products that further share the Shanga story. She is currently learning Swahili and Sign Language to help her to communicate better with everyone at Shanga.
Fun Facts about Amber:
· Amber loves to write.
· Amber loves all forms of creative expression.
· Amber’s favourite type of design is interior design. Last week, she redesigned her office, which now looks welcoming and well organized!
· Amber’s passion for designing began when she was little, as she was very imaginative and creative. Her love for artistic expression further grew when she took a drawing class during her first semester of university.
· Amber loves that Shanga is an organisation that understands the importance of providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, through creative expression.
If you’d like to get in touch with Amber, feel free to contact her at design@shanga.org. We hope everyone will enjoy working with her as much as we do. As kindred spirits, we warmly welcome Amber to Shanga and can’t wait to see her contributions to the team come to life! Karibu sana!
Recycling Sunflower Seed Oil at Shanga
We love recycling at Shanga, not only do we recycle materials that are transformed into hundreds of amazing products but we also recycle Sunflower Seed Oil as the energy source. We receive oil from Elewana properties as a by-product from their kitchen as well as other suppliers. For four years Shanga has been using Sunflower seed oil for energizing a glass furnace and the medium size Glory-hole. The glass furnace produces a wide variety of glass ware such as drinking glasses, bowls, jugs, carafes and house decorations. We may be the only people in the world who are using Sunflower Seed Oil in glass melting for art glass.
Sunflower seed oil is a domestic product in Tanzania. The regions in the country’s central zone are a major producer, accounting for over 20 percent of national production. The planting and extracting cycle provides thousands of jobs.
Sunflower Seed oil is renewable in a sustainable manner, converting the energy of daily solar radiation to chemical energy through a biological vector in large sunflower plantations. The sunflower seed oil has zero carbon footprint, meaning in the plantations the carbon dioxide from ambient air is sequestered into a hydrocarbon compound, which converted into a liquid form is used to energize our furnace in an exothermic reaction together with ambient oxygen. The carbon dioxide thus released is then sequestered back into the seeds in sunflowers. From flowers to flowers in a manner; through solar power as the driving force. Think of the vast fields of sunflowers as huge biologically functioning solar energy converters.
Go green with Shanga by donating used cooking oil and we recycle it to produce glassware from our glass furnaces!