"Shanga" is the Kiswahili word for bead.
Shanga Shangaa was founded as a for-profit company to create a community that would support and empower those Tanzanians who have been marginalized by their disabilities. By providing an open and safe environment, disabled Tanzanians are able to realize their potential, develop new skills, build relationships based on respect and improve their own lives. Using recycled materials and producing at a sustainable level allows Shanga Shangaa to continue to expand and offer these opportunities far into the future.
Shanga is one of life's small and heartwarming success stories. In 2007 Saskia Rechsteiner made some necklaces for a Christmas Fair in Arusha, and now Shanga employs 42 disabled Tanzanian people, has the River House Restaurant and the Shanga Shop – all located on one of Tanzania's oldest and prettiest coffee estates. All income from the Shanga workshop, restaurant and shop sales goes towards employing more disabled people – the waiting list for jobs is endless. At Shanga we learn together – how to make unique, fabulous and high quality products from recycled materials in a positive environment that respects people of all kinds."
Info@shanga.org | tel: +255 689 759067