PACHIPAMWE WORKS WITH AFRICAN CRAFTSPEOPLE TO SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL BURSARIES

I began Pachipamwe, (which means 'working together with' in Shona) 6 years ago with a couple of suitcases and some airfreight. The aim was (and still is) to work with many groups and individual craftspeople in both urban and rural communities throughout Zimbabwe and import a selection of traditional and contemporary handicrafts which are functional and decorative. In most cases the raw materials come from sustainable natural resources as well as re-cycled materials. Some items are made in factories but these suppliers are committed to equal opportunities and provide a secure and supportive work environment with fair wages, training and environmental management policies. Some craft items are made by street traders, women's co-operatives or struggling independent creatives - both black and white. It is true that poverty is worst among the blacks especially in some rural areas and in large cities like Harare but for many former white Rhodesians committed to the success of Independence, life has become a financial struggle and many talented people are trying to supplement their income through art and craft initiatives. To a man, all see the way to secure a better future for the country and for their children is through education. I hope that my small initiative will generate sufficient funds to help one or two on the way

January 2005