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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.

 


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Our Goals
  • To provide economic opporntunity to the people of Malawi Africa
  • To reduce the use of plastic shopping bags.
  • To  promote a charity that gives back 100% of proceeds to the people that need help.