The Maasai Brand - a Basecamp Arts & Craft Project
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Maasai women, including those of the Talek community close to our Mara camp, generally have limited opportunities of earning their own money. Basecamp has therefore established a project enabling Talek women to generate their own income by producing traditional handicraft.
Understanding what is needed to secure the long-term viability of the project, the women ensure that the products use traditional Maasai designs and materials, and that they consistently maintain the high quality finish that appeals to a western market. Our fair trade agreement with the community guarantees that the crafts-person retains a minimum of 75% of the sales price. The project aims to introduce and reinforce the understanding of local traditional culture as a valuable asset and tool for development. The Maasai Brand (TMB) project provides training, assists with marketing and sales, and creates jobs for the community.
Many guests at Basecamp Masai Mara appreciate being able to visit the craft centre, to do some shopping, and to discuss both the art and the business with the local villagers. The project has won both national and international tourism awards.
Basecamp will soon be expanding the project to include a support organization on micro-finance and women’s organizations. This will enable further development of the financial and community-development components of the project. The project has applied for international ‘Fair Trade’ status, and will likely be awarded such status before the end of 2007.
For further information contact us on www.maasaibrand.com
Partners:
Basecamp Explorer Kenya
The Talek women community
Funding:
Basecamp Explorer Foundation
Private donations
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