Handcrafted Success

The Rifty Economic Advancement Program (REAP) provides over 640 local entrepreneurs with the microloans, training, and resources needed to launch and operate a small business. As part of its efforts, REAP launched the Rift Valley Women’s Group (RVWG) in 2014 to empower local Mamas with specialized training in beadwork, basket weaving, and sewing.

Maggie John, who is a dedicated member of our housekeeping team at the Rift Valley Children’s Village, was recruited to be a part of RVWG when it first launched. Maggie demonstrated exceptional skills through each training, proving herself as a talented craftswoman and an incredible leader. Her natural instinct to mentor the other Mamas and encourage their creativity strengthened the group as a whole.

Today, Maggie does quality control for all RVWG products now being sold at 21 luxury lodges across Tanzania!

With the additional income earned from RVWG, Maggie has been able to design and build a house of her own. Over the years she has renovated her house and established access to electricity and running water, a luxury that many in the community do not have.

Maggie is most proud of the fact that she has been able to send her two young children to school and start saving for their higher education.

This is a monumental achievement considering that Maggie’s husband suddenly fell ill last year and has been unable to work since. During the unexpected tragedy, Maggie was grateful to have extra funds to fall back on as she took on the responsibility of being the sole provider for her children.

Women like Maggie inspire us as they work to build a better life for themselves and their families. With initiatives like RVWG, REAP is generating much-needed income for a community that has faced a staggering lack of economic opportunity for far too long.