Project Details

We would like to start a year-long training program for the men and women in 4 self-help groups to learn and improve their skills in knitting, spinning, weaving and dyeing.There are currently a total of 71 women and men in the Kihoto, Utugi, Tazama and Karunga Self-Help Groups in Molo, Kenya. Most of the group members raise sheep and were previously paying the shearer to take away the wool from their sheep. In 2007, they decided to learn how to spin, knit, weave and dye the wool and now are creating products which they sell to pay school fees for their children and to purchase other items needed by their families. These products include stuffed knitted animals, rugs, handbags, and baskets. In February of this year, 2 women attended training in the processing of silk cocoons and now are spinning yarn from silk to weave scarves. While some group members have sufficient skills to produce high quality products, most are eager beginners without the training they need to compete in local and international markets. These members require ongoing instruction in: selecting the best fibers for their products, preparation of the fibers, spinning yarn, knitting and weaving yarns they produce, and finishing the products to meet rigorous standards of quality. They will also benefit from learning how to dye the wool and silk. The more experienced members will benefit from learning: advanced techniques in fiber processing, how to read a pattern, and elements of design for the creation of new and unique products. There are no fiber arts programs available in this area. Even if there were, the groups are located at a distance from each other and it is difficult for the individuals to travel to a central location with their equipment. We would like to hire an experienced fiber artist, Amos Njenga, who has worked with the groups in the past and is willing to do additional training over the coming year. He will travel to the communities and spend time in each, addressing the needs each group has identified. His cost will be $77 per month.