Bombolulu, Kenya
If you suffer from a disability in Kenya it's extremely difficult to find a job, and there's no state provision for disabled people or their families.
Bombolulu was established nearly 40 years ago to provide opportunities for victims of polio. It runs sheltered workshops for them in jewellery, leatherwork, carving and textiles production. The group now works with 150 men and women providing them with a regular income, medical benefits and housing for the most severely disabled.
Alice Maundu, an artisan from Bombolulu has been in a wheelchair since she lost her legs due to polio as a child. The disease left her with weak bones, so she is unable to bear children of her own. But she didn't allow this to stop her becoming a fantastic mother; she adopted two children and regularly looks after her niece and nephew in their school holidays despite her limited physical capacity.
With such a disability Alice would have found it very difficult to provide for herself let alone live the full life that looking after children brings. She joined Bombolulu in 1993 and has since been making Fair Trade jewellery, earning a fair wage. She said:
"I feel terrible when I see disabled people in the streets begging. I am so lucky to be here, safe, secure and with a chance to live a full life."
You can support these inspirational people by wearing the striking handbeaten jewellery they make for People Tree that is so representative of African style.
Find out more about Alice Maundu and other Bombolulu producers in Safia's blog
