Making Connections

This project will enable women in Africa and in Scotland to share experiences and develop new skills. 

VETAID will work with groups of women in Scotland to allow them to learn about life for Maasai women in Tanzania and to find out what they have in common.  The project will also enable the women to learn new skills such as computing, business skills and marketing.

The Maasai women’s groups are from Simanjiro, a drought-prone, impoverished area.  Because this area offers limited possibilities for farming, VETAID has been working with the women to find other ways for them to earn an independent income.  The women produce craft work such as tanning leather using traditional methods and making beadwork based on traditional patterns.  You can find out more about the beadwork items they produce on our merchandise pages.

Both the Scottish and Tanzanian groups will elect representatives to take part in an exchange visit so that they can learn more about each other.

The women’s groups in Scotland will carry out market research for the Maasai leather and beadwork products in Scotland, and advise the Maasai women’s groups according to their findings.  With their new skills and knowledge, the women could then, if they wish, establish a marketing partnership to help sell the Maasai products, or other fair-trade goods, in Scotland.  The courses are free of charge, and transport and child care will be provided.