A story to each of them...

Each basket, bag or item we make has a story attached to it.  Different individuals who knocked on our door seeking jobs carrying scantily written application letters because they cannot write well.  Circumstances forced them to walk the streets and seek any job that they could secure just to feed the family.  While I worked at a 5star Beach Resort, I came across several young and old people many of who broke down at my office having walked for miles perhaps.  Some had not eaten for a day, some quietly sat staring at me in hope that I could assist them get employment.  Knowing fully well that their application would not be accepted, I always made sure that I stamped "Received" and put it in the mail folder for viewing.  Again, knowing out of routine and protocol, it would still be forwarded to the Human Resources Department and then perhaps if lady luck would strike, the applicant may get a casual odd task job for a couple of day.  Most of the times I took them personally to the HR.  

Many came back and tried until they stopped or perhaps managed to get a job elsewhere.  While others came on a daily basis and I could not help but sit and speak with them while they virtually pleaded.  Out of many such applicants, some I managed to convince to engage in handicrafts to keep them going until they would be able to get a job.  Material was their next challenge.  I therefore thought of inviting them home and sit with them to see what we could make and try to sell.  

The first person who I worked with was Geoffrey.  He could stitch.  So I got my huge pile of materials and cloth that I had hoarded away.  I designed fabric bags which he worked on and we sold a couple.  A few weeks later, Geoffrey was called for an interview and is now working on contract basis.

Similarly, I met Gideon.  I later learned that he was suffering from an illness but while he worked with me as I paid him the wages for the baskets he made out of supermarket carrier bags, I could see that he was more active and jovial.  He spoke of his visions and wishes to be a teacher one day.  After having made a few bags, he disappeared and did not respond to my telephone calls.  I worried for him and asked for someone to seek him.  I was told that he had secured a job as a teacher and was happily married.  Although he went off without a word and least to add, with my materials and working tools, I was extremely happy for him.

 One of the bags Gideon and I made.

Then there was Mary, and Hafidh who are two of the most key persons who stood by me through all my challenges.  Unfortunately, we lost Mary to illness but Hafidh works with me to-date.  He is a 'jack of all trades' but has a weakness of drinking alcohol.  He becomes my good son whenever he needs money and puts extra effort to show me that he works well until the next day after an evening at the bar when his moods are swinging between wanting to scream at me or to just go hide somewhere to allow the hangover subside.  I do not let that become a reason for him to go back on the streets and sit with him for hours sometimes, lecturing him.  Like a good son, he hears but does not listen for sure.  He has a big family he takes care of.

Many came and worked with me as I paid them to keep them going and then they left and in this manner,  giwuza.com took form in my mind and I decided to start this small concern. 

I came across people who were in dire need.  Some broken in spirit, unhappy, confused, lost, destitute.  Hunger and helplessness are some of the elements of destroying lives and I have felt it as I grew up, watching my parents, some relatives, neighbours, and people.  

At the same time, there were indications of the company having to retire me as I was reaching 55years of age. I sat in silence and pondered.  I had to begin somewhere and since childhood my passion was to make things with my own hands.  To create - needlework, baskets, cooking, anything that I could learn and do.  

One day, we decided to clean out the office and I was handed piles of magazines.  I somehow felt compelled to pack them in a carton and keep them until I could think of what to do with them but sat looking through one of them.  The telephone rang and while I spoke on the phone and without thinking, I ripped a paper off the magazine and rolled it.  I had that piece of rolled paper on my desk for the rest of the day and each time I looked at it, I wondered what I could do with it.  

The next day I came back and tried to recall how we made lampshades out of tubes when we were young but work and life's needs drew my attention away and I threw that rolled paper.

After retirement being finalised and being at home, I ended up with a carton full of magazines,  a couple of people who were jobless and my treasured sewing machines and what was left of sewing kits, some fabric and the need to work hard so I embarked on my much desired and loved mission.   With the thought of minimal investment, keeping the eco-support in mind at all times and several other factors, I designed my first basket.

and it continued to making many more ranging from jewelry baskets, fruit baskets, laundry baskets, stationery, business card holder, bread baskets, pets baskets and others.

A variety of custom made items are now made at Giwuza.  We work emphasize on our motto and  empowering the jobless people and those who have physical challenged.  We continue to maintain "Build Kenya buy Kenyan goods"!

With the help of good-hearted people, I managed to gather more magazine and paper and to assist several families have food in their homes, school books and uniforms and others managed to pay their rents or debts.  In its own minute manner, Giwuza.com has contributed towards the wellbeing of some one out there.  That has been our dream all along.  We endeavour to continue with our purpose and hope to one day have our own premises to begin a workshop.  Presently, it is not possible though since I am sustaining both the works and my livelihood from the wares we make and sell at craft fairs.  We have had failures at all the craft fairs so far as people do not support considering it to be a meaningless item, not realising that alot of hard work goes into the baskets.  I have exhausted my little savings and am almost at a standstill but I have and shall not give up.   One day soon we will break the ice and sell all our wares.  

Margaret lost her husband who was murdered while on duty and she suffered severe depressions and loss of self-worth for years.  She worked with us for several months but gradually diverged towards reviving her own business.  She finally confided that she was learning at Giwuza and was making the same items which she sold.  I was happy that she was confident now and continued towards her goals and path the best she feels happy with.  We made clothes, bags, headbands, fabric stuffed dolls, and so many different items.  Some of which I have on here if you scroll down.

headbands 

Double sided fabric bag

Denim shoulder bag with hand-made embroidery

Fabric of all colours, designs and material

Kitenge sling bag

animal print base and top on this bag

All purpose sack bag 

Kitenge sling bag with a wrap-round skirt, head band and earrings

Long last shoulder bag with inner lining and pockets

Double sided all purpose bag

Beautiful cotton material used for this bag

 Then came Christmas and I was encouraged to make Christmas tree decorations.  I managed to get threads and old stocked materials, undid a woolen curtain and pulled suitable blue yarn off it.  The decorations were much loved by some friends who took them for their tree last year.  The joy I got when making them is immeasurable.  I might make some more soon for Christmas 2014.

Christmas tree decorations 

Wedding preparations when we made party favours

Fusion design Sherwani for men.  

Several different custom made and all looked extraordinary

Simple embroidery on this kurta tops neck, collar and sleeves.  The material chosen is exclusively for menswear.

Ezra and Gertrude were one of the best dressed couple at the wedding!

Mwangi believes in dressing smart.  he loved the idea of the fusion of Indo/African style. 

Henna application by artistic hands

At various craft fairs

My paper beaded bracelets, necklaces, other hand made jewelry, etc.

Helping Anasthesia sell her keychains and bottle openers. We managed to sell a number of them !

Sitting at a Supermarket car park, we tried to sell items made at Giwuza
and others from friends such as Anasthesia and others.

All types of fabric and khangas (also known as lesso)

Pascal's wonderful paintings 

Our baskets, coasters, etc.

Hand woven fruit basket made out of magazine paper

Our bags and other items at the craft fair

Square laundry basket, bead necklaces and hand made wooden photo frames

I call this project "Saving Angela".  Angela has taken alot of pains in making this set of seat covers.  This is one of the projects which I am keen to pay more attention to.  Angela has been unsuccessful in selling her beautiful set of 12pieces.  I am hopeful that we will manage by Christmas this year.  Angela worked as a casual but she was replaced by a qualified personnel.  On her request, we sourced items she could sell and purchase the yarn to make the set since she is a keen crochet/knitter.

Additional options after a pause and halt...

With the sewing stopped, and bags full of stock, I came at a close end.  So I contacted a couple of friends and spread the word that I can cook some reasonably good food :-)…  Once again, I thank the super-ladies of my life.  The departed ones especially, my granny, mother-in-law, mum, aunts, aunt-in-law.  Ofcourse both my sisters and all the sisters I have met both personally or on line who support me.  Without their love and guidance I would have probably lost course.  I am grateful to the Divine and to them.  So, I create a cooking page/post/blog.   Do look up the cooking post and read about my ventures on how I begin to revive my cookery.  

Lastly, I thank you for visiting my blog and for your good wishes.  I know, sometimes we do not need to put it in black and white but our kindly thoughts are enough.  I also know that I am not unique or the only one doing something we all would like to do.  I know that there are thousands of women who do so much for others and do not create blogs or write about it.  What I have done is an attempt to create awareness since I am semi-immobile and cannot go out to meet people out there.  Technology today enhances and makes life a little easier.  I wish many a times that our mothers would have had these opportunities.  They would have filled the cyber space with their experiences and vast sound and profound knowledge.