Christine Goodgame-Nobes writes:
New Wine gatherings are a faith-inspired project to help local churches play a part in changing nations. One of the stalls at the recent New Wine gathering at the Bath & West Showground 24 July – 5 Aug was a project supported by local Bath Quakers.
Susan Tomes worked exhausting, long days with her husband Nick, son Matthew and friends selling beautiful handmade craft work made in Tanzania.
Neema Crafts is a charity which trains and employs people with disabilities in the Iringa region of Tanzania, and tries to change local negative attitudes towards disability. There’s a great stigma attached to having a disability in Tanzania, and the centre provides dignity and hope for many people who previously relied on street begging or were hidden away at home.
Nick had constructed the stall, and along with family and friends Susan sold gorgeous handmade cushions, tote-bags, bunting, washbags and soft toys. All were made in Tanzania by disabled people, and every penny of the money taken goes to building specially adapted houses for the staff.
Susan and Nick are travelling to Tanzania in September to visit the project and meet with the staff to hear their personal stories. These stories will then be recorded on the online shop so that when customers buy from Neema they know exactly who made the products and the work that has gone into them.
All the money spent by happy customers on beautiful Neema Crafts produce benefits the disabled in Tanzania.
Bath Quakers 