People
As in any organisation our most important resource is our people. The difference at Neema Crafts is that the people are not just how we do what we do but also why we do what we do!
In Tanzania there is no benefit system for those with a disability. If a disabled person is not given work they will have no money and in those circumstances family support or begging in the street is the only way they can survive. Having enough to eat is a daily issue in Tanzania so if an adult family member cannot support him or herself then often they are rejected by their families, not because they do not care but simple economics means they cannot support them.
Here are a few of the stories of the Neema Crafts workers.
Josphat's Story
Paper Making
Josphat has been profoundly deaf from birth, and was among the first 3 young deaf lads with whom the workshop was started. When he first joined he was a very downcast and short-tempered individual, having suffered years of neglect at the hands of the extended family with whom he lived, his parents having died many years previously. After a few short months training at Neema Crafts Centre, Josphat had become a highly skilled paper-maker, his self-esteem rocketed and the way he expressed himself and interacted with others was utterly transformed. No longer considered a burden by his extended family, he was now able to support himself and contribute to the household income, thus earning their respect at last.
Deaf people give each other short-hand sign names. Due a curvature in his spine Josphat had always been known as 'hunchback'. After a few months working at Neema Crafts the other deaf people at the centre spontaneously changed his sign to ' he is able', as they'd seen that he'd become the most gifted paper-maker in the whole workshop. Thus after years of being made to feel conscious of his shortcomings, his whole identity had literally changed from his disability, to his ability.
This is a lovely illustration of what Neema Crafts Centre is all about; changing negative attitudes towards people with disabilities in the eyes of those around them and also in their own eyes too.
Stephen's Story
Bead Work
When Stephen came along to join the initial training week during which people with physical disabilities were to be taught how to make intricate beaded jewellery, we were all dismayed to see that he only had the use of one hand, one side of his body being partially paralysed since birth. None of the trainers thought he would manage it and foresaw a discouraging end in sight for all concerned, but he persevered and to everyone's amazement quickly learnt how to make beautiful beaded bracelets and necklaces. Along with the other bead workers, he worked at home and brought what he had made to Neema Crafts each week to receive his wages, more beads and new designs for the coming week. Having become a skilled wage owner he soon found he was more readily accepted by local society, and was able to get engaged to an able-bodied girl who's family would have previously rejected him as a suitor. They are now happily married with a baby girl. This would have been unthinkable before he received training and regular work at Neema Crafts.
Hezron's Story
Weaving
Hezron was a proud and healthy young man in his mid twenties with everything to live for - a lovely wife, two beautiful children and another on the way at any moment, when the minibus taxi he was travelling in hit an oncoming car. All thirty people who were crammed into the vehicle died, except for Hezron and a new born baby, who had to be pulled from the bodies amongst the wreckage. That day Hezron lost the use of both legs and found himself wheelchair bound at home, unable to support himself or his family, written off as a burden to society. After two years of watching his wife and young children have to fend for themselves, he felt utterly worthless and was on the brink of taking his own life, feeling that they would be better off without him. When he was first pushed to the centre to ask for work his voice was barely audible, his self-esteem had sunk so low. He was taken on as a trainee weaver and today - one year on - he is full of life and enthusiasm. He has become a highly skilled weaver, enjoying the therapeutic activity involved and taking great pride in the beautiful items he produces. He peddles himself to work each day on the hand-pedal 3 wheeler provided by the centre, and feels proud of himself and his ability to support his young family. The joy he had found is plain for all to see by the broad smile he wears as he races his fellow weavers up the hill to work each morning!
Neema's Story
Bead Work
Neema
is the young woman standing in the centre of this picture. Her name means
‘Grace of God’. She is a double amputee and had this photo taken
when she, Augustino and Titus (pictured) had just returned from Dar es Salaam,
with their new legs! These were fundraised for and organised by Neema Crafts
Centre.
Neema was in her early twenties, married with a young child, when she developed an infection in her legs. Her family feared they would not be able to afford medicines for her at the local hospital, so by the time she was finally taken for treatment it was too late to cure her and both legs were amputated at the knee. Neema’s husband left her soon afterwards because the shame of being married to a disabled person was too much for him. She was left alone to support herself and her child but had no way of earning an income as no-one would employ her.
That was until she came to Neema Crafts Centre. Here she has been taught how to make beautiful beaded jewellery, like the delicate bell-flower necklace shown. She makes the jewellery at home and comes once a week to collect her wages, more beads and new designs. She’s now able to support herself and her little son, and since she got her new legs her husband has returned, so they have been reunited as a family once more.
