Situated on what was once a part of Karen von Blixen’s coffee plantation is a small workshop where ceramic beads are made by Kenyan women. It is painstaking work. The clay is brought down from the Kenyan mountains, then the beads are carefully hand shaped, polished, fired, painted, and fired again.  The result is KAZURIthe Swahili word for small and beautiful.

Started in 1975 by 2 women as a cottage industry, Kazuri now employs 300 women who otherwise would not have jobs, as they are unskilled and uneducated. Kazuri Ltd. is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and pays its employees three and a half times the national wage in Kenya. Kazuri also provides free health care, day care and educates workers on AIDS and Malaria. With staggering unemployment rates, one job often supports up to 20 members of their extended families.

The pride and self esteem that come from from having a job and income for their extended families is reflected in the smiles and hum of songs as the woman work. Your support empowers woman in Kenya and makes a difference in the lives of these woman and their families.