We started working with the Gil Gil Group based in The Rift Valley in September 2009.  The area where they are based had been suffering from a severe drought over the past couple of years.  Traditionally a self-sufficient farming community, the families were looking for alternative forms of income as their crops had failed and their animals were dying all around from malnutrition. 

With help from Lorna,my sister based in Nairobi, the group formed a self-supporting co operative and started making beautiful high quality beads for Juzi.

They are now an important group for Juzi and are busy hand crafting stunning necklaces, bracelets and earrings for the discerning  Juzi customer.

Now they can afford to buy food staples and are not reliant on the weather, their children can be educated and most importantly they have regained a feeling of self worth.
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Jasmine & Grace meeting the children from The Rift Valley Group Januuary 2010.