Our Story

2007

A micro solar panel workshop, candle-making area and recycled glass bead making workshop were added.

2009

In 2009 'Neema Crafts Workshop' became 'Neema Crafts Centre for People with Disabilities' and moved to new purpose-built premises, adding a ceramics workshop, crafts shop and a vital physiotherapy department in the process, as well as conference facilities, a larger restaurant and an internet café to help boost revenue and draw more visitors into the Centre.

2011

In 2011 a ten-bedroom guesthouse was opened at Neema Crafts by the then British High Commissioner to Tanzania, Diane Corner. This meant that our already enthusiastic visitors could stay with us and, through their custom, continue to support the disabled population of Iringa. The guesthouse is a joint venture between Neema Crafts and the local Mother’s Union (known as Umaki) and employs deaf, physically disabled and able-bodied staff.

2012

In 2012 a carpentry department was set-up and equipped and this employs a further five deaf and disabled artisans and produces turned lamp bases, jewelry, lampshades and items carved in the Zanzibari style.

2013

In 2013, for the first time, the businesses of Neema Crafts could say they were self-sustaining with trainees’ wages and overheads no-longer dependant on charitable giving. Instead the disabled artisans, cooks and assistants were self-reliant dependant only on revenue from their hand-made products and services.

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