Over the last
four years we have been studying Africa, trying to find solutions to their extreme poverty. As our
passion for Africa grew we decided we desperately wanted to do something to help. We researched charitable organizations
and couldn't find anything that was a perfect fit for us.
So at the beginning of the year we decided
to create our own non-profit organization. On January 28th, 2007 Africa Bags officially came into existence.
In May of 2007, we made our first trip to Malawi. Upon arrival we met with village leaders and decided to introduce our project into three villages near Mzuzu,
Malawi. We entered into the villages of Kamweko, Viweme, and Nkhata Bay and introduced the production of reusable cloth shopping bags. The villages were provided with foot powered treadle
sewing machines, cloth and all other items needed to make the bags. We trained small groups from each village to operate
the treadle sewing machines.
Shortly after
we left, a small group of people broke off from our Nkhata Bay group and formed our fourth group in Chintheche.
Our initial sales have stemmed
from a grassroots campaign. We have contacted our friends and family asking them to spread the word about our project.
As production of the villages has increased we have decided to pursue retail avenues of selling Africa Bags.
We are currently looking for retail stores that would be interested in selling our bags. We would love any help
from others with experience in retail sales or those with connections to retail stores.
At the end of July in 2007, Todd went back to Malawi to make sure production was
occurring at a good pace. The villages had made great progress and had surpassed our expectations.
While in Malawi, Todd was able to encourage the village groups to set up savings accounts and to organize committees.
These committees will oversee each village's production, and will be responsible for solving
any problems that may arise.
During this second trip Todd visited all four villages involved in Africa Bags. He was especially
pleased with the progress of the community center being built in Kamweko. The village
was in the process of making over 25,000 bricks for building construction. This community center is being
paid for by generous donations from Africa Bags supporters. Construction is now underway for the 1,000
sq. foot building.
Todd was also able to
find other hand crafted items made by local artisans and set up delivery of their work back to the United States. Africa bags
is now proud to sell numerous wood carvings, paintings and jewelry that have been hand made in Malawi.
During the
fall of 2007, Africa Bags was a part of numerous 3rd World Craft Shows, Alternative Giving Fairs, and other Holiday craft
shows. We set up booths to showcase the Africa Bag and other hand
crafted items from Malawi. We would like to be involved in more of these shows in 2008. We have already
signed up for many of them. If you are aware of a show in your area that might be of interest to Africa
Bags please contact us with the show information.
As Africa Bags moves forward our main goal is to find homes for the thousands of bags that have been made by the
four villages in Malawi. The villagers are eager to increase production. As we find
more outlets to sell the bags we hope to be able to expand production into other villages in Malawi.
We are extremely grateful for and touched by the passion
and help we have received from numerous friends and family members. As a grass roots organization we encourage
anyone that would like to help to contact us.
