EMPLOY.
In the rural community of Bagamoyo, Tanzania, employment is a game changer. The Sasamani Foundation employs a group of women tailors to sew school uniforms and a collection of bags. With the income earned, the Sasamani tailors have invested back into their businesses, paid for their family’s education expenses, and purchased land. The women gained confidence in themselves and their abilities through the program. When women work, communities will be uplifted and economies grow. Click here to read case studies of the ways in which the lives of Sasamani tailors have improved.
When you buy a bag, you support the tailors' salaries and fund a school uniform for a school child in need.
When you buy a bag, you support the tailors' salaries and fund a school uniform for a school child in need.
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Current statusOur initial review of the market in 2017 revealed there are numerous tailors in Bagamoyo who are unemployed or underemployed. We will proceed intentionally and thoughtfully, so we can ultimately build a program that provides the most positive impact within the community without inflicting unintended negative consequences.
Over the months of November and December, Sasamani employed ten local tailors and one sewing instructor to sew 600 bags. Click here to meet our tailors.In March of 2018, The Sasamani Founder, Executive Director, and Managing Director conducted a focus group with the Sasamani tailors. These key lessons will be incorporated into a manufacturing plan going forward. In June of 2018, Sasamani started to market bags to boutiques, museums, and yacht clubs within the United States. We continue to explore the market and learn what is most appealing and cost effective to make and sell. In the coming months Sasamani plans to sell bags individually on our web site. One of the lessons learned from the pilot program is locally sourced materials are more cost effective due to high shipping costs. In an effort to better understand the potential of local materials, Sasamani tailors each designed a bag of their choosing. These bags will be be shown to American shop owners to explore which are most easily marketed there. |
How you can support
In addition to purchasing a bag, you can make a difference to the community of Bagamoyo by offering financial support to defray the costs of building a community center and hiring full time employees. You can also support the project and the economic independence of the women of Bagamoyo by providing ideas for venues to sell our manufacturing products. Please click here to contact us and receive additional information.