From my previous blog titled My Travel Loot #1| Project Ploughshare Women’s Pottery:
I love to travel and experience new places and cultures. Another thing I love to do is take home a piece of of that culture’s art. I don’t mean cheesy refrigerator magnets, or touristy souvenirs that are made in China, with the place’s name prominently displayed. If I were to show you my collection of travel artifacts, I would probably have to explain their origin to you.
When I can visit a program that helps disadvantaged people make a living by making that art, sign me up! I highly recommend that when you travel to other countries, that you check if there is a handicraft center that provides jobs to the disadvantaged. You just have to make sure the center has a good reputation and does not exploit it’s workers.
This time around we visit Bombolulu Workshop (http://www.apdkbombolulu.org/), which is located east of Mombasa Island on the mainland.
According to their website, “Bombolulu…works with more than 100 people with different abilities, men and women artisans to help them overcome their physical limitations and empower them economically and socially to become fully integrated members of their communities…”
While many of the artisans both live and work on the compound, some live with their families outside and commute to the workshop. They also provide day care facilities and a school. Everyone there was very friendly and eager so show off their work. I highly recommend visiting if you make it to Mombasa.
Thanks for dropping by! I hope that you enjoyed my travel photos and commentary, and will return for more travel content in the future.