#SHANGA – ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF ELEWANA’S THREE ‘R‘ APPROACH
(Posted 22nd June 2019)
Courtesy of Elewana’s Alia Bellamy
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, those are the three R’s well known in conservation and related circles and the Elewana Collection has firmly written this credo into their corporate philosophy.
Shanga, for those who do not know it, is a successful social enterprise which employs people with disabilities to create unique, high-quality, handmade jewelry, glassware and home wares incorporating recycled materials. These products are sold in Tanzania and all over the world, with profits being reinvested back into developing opportunities to employ more people with disabilities.
Combining an uplifting local community project with unique artistic activities and opportunities to purchase handmade gifts, Shanga has been a favourite Arusha tourist destination since its inception in 2007.
Shanga became part of Elewana in 2017 as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility program, with a ongoing commitment to the people of Tanzania. The Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge is the home of Shanga, which comprises of an open workshop for glass-blowing, weaving, sewing, Tinga Tinga painting, bead-making and metal work, with a shop showcasing all Shanga’s handmade products.
Shanga loves to recycle what others no longer have a need for and transform it into hundreds of amazing products. If it can’t be transformed into something beautiful then they will try to find another way to recycle it. One very creative and innovative recycling has come from a very surprising source, old Sunflower Seed Oil.
Shanga receives oil from the Elewana properties as a by-product from the kitchens – as well as other local suppliers. For a number of years Shanga has been using Sunflower seed oil for energizing a glass furnaces. The glass furnace produces a wide variety of glass ware such as drinking glasses, bowls, jugs, carafes and house decorations. Shanga may be the only place in the world to use Sunflower Seed Oil in glass melting for art glass.
In Tanzania there are over 4.2 million people living with disabilities, which has a significant impact on health, education and employment, especially as people with disabilities get shunned from the community and find it nearly impossible to find work.
Shanga by Elewana is successful social enterprise with an interactive workshop that employs people with disabilities and empowers them through training to create unique, high quality, handmade jewellery, glassware and homeware using recycled materials, giving them a chance to develop a sense of self confidence, a successful career and in turn support their families, making a better life for them all.
Basley is a glass blower, who was born deaf, originally trained as a carpenter, but no one would hire him due to his disability. Basley ended up in Arusha and approached Shanga, where he produces a wide variety of glassware such as water glasses, bowls, jugs, carafes & various house decorations that is sold all over the world.
By providing employment opportunities Shanga empowers individuals such as Basley, to produce products that are sold in Tanzania and all over the world, with profits being reinvested back into developing opportunities to employ more people with disabilities.
Shanga is located within the grounds of Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, a welcoming retreat of aromas, gourmet food and vibrant gardens, the perfect start or end to an African safari. Situated on the fertile grounds of a coffee plantation, Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge is a peaceful sanctuary right on the doorstep of Arusha city.
Traders Walk is a collection of 5 on site boutiques including Shanga, run by Tanzanians with disabilities who produce beautiful arts and crafts. There is a Tanzanite Centre and the Soko Giftshop that is stocked with all sorts of wonderful gifts. Finally relax at Kahawa, a Coffee shop with freshly brewed coffee and delicious home-baked cakes.
