Nairobi – Part 1
January 23, 2010
In Nairobi we visited the Kazuri bead company located on the former Karen Blixen estate. Kazuri means “small and beautiful” in Swahili and these beads are exactly that. The company was formed by Lady Susan Wood to provide employment for women, mostly single mothers. Over 300 women work here now and there is a clinic which provides free health care.
The beads are manufactured out of local clay. Each bead is carefully shaped by hand.
After the initial firing the beads are skillfully decorated by hand.
Some finished beads.
The beads are then strung as necklaces or bracelets.
You can find more information here www.Kazuri.com
Needless to say, nobody walked out empty handed. Their work is absolutely beautiful!
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Fabulous photos!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your support of the Kazuri women. It is such a meaningful story and as you saw first hand, these beads really do make a difference. I too was so moved by these women, that I worked to become the Kazuri US distributor for loose beads. I invite you to visit my site http://www.kazuribeadsusa.com
It is women like yourself that help us to provide continuing employment for these women.
I would love to speak to you and hear all about your trip. Perhaps we could feature your story in our Kazuri newsletter. You can contact me at paulette@kazuriwest.com
Asante,
Paulette Walther