So I seized the opportunity while in Nairobi to stop by an organization that I have been familiar with for the past several years. Amani Ya Juu is a sewing and reconciliation project for marginalized women in Africa that began about a dozen years ago from a tiny operation with women sewing place mats in a tiny space to a well developed business, with both a local market and exports (including a boutique in Washington, DC: http://amanidc.wordpress.com/). I was privileged a couple of years ago to meet a few of the women who came to the U.S. to showcase their latest clothing line and share their stories though a fashion narrative. It was great to finally get to visit them at their workplace and hear about their stories of perseverance, hope, and community.I was also encouraged to talk with the director and hear about some of her vision for the next year, which includes working more closely with the women to discern their hopes and dreams, and how Amani can serve as a platform to help the women move forward with their own initiatives and expand the scope of work. At Amani, it is important for these women to learn and develop skills, and as well as living out the message of peace and reconciliation in the work that they do.
So if you're looking for a great place to buy gifts and support some incredible ladies, I encourage you to take a look at Amani Ya Juu.
SWAHILI WORDS OF THE DAY: Amani ya juu means "higher peace"
