The West African 5 Strand Necklace is a gorgeous, intricate piece of art work. Made by designers at the inspirational Fair Trade work shop; Zakale Creations. Rich in colour and textures the beads used are a mix of hand made West African beads and glass beads. Each necklace is a unique work of art as different beads are chosen by the designer to create individual pieces. This necklace is not only a thing of beauty, the making and selling of it has had a direct positive impact on peoples\' lives. Zakale In 2001 John set up Zakale Creations, which is a Project located in Huruma, part of Mathare slum, Nairobi. The slum population is approx. 8,000 with a very high unemployment rate (approx. 80%). The people who live here have many challenges, such as: poor housing, lack of basic facilities, including water and roads; and lack of even rudimentary education. John was brought up in this slum and still lives locally. Within the community he is active on a number of local committees, including football training, traditional dance, garbage collection and security services. Zakale is making a difference. Already more than ten people trained at Zakale are now independent craftsmen and women, making and selling their wares at local markets. It is a highly organised workshop and is very creative. John has trained various team members to manage responsibilities and now has : Workshop Manager / Sales manager / Designer (Wire) / Giriama Bead Specialist / Bead Earrings Specialist. This workshop is improved year on year. It has been extended, re fitted and now has internet connection. It also has new machines and is a very nice working environment, maintained perfectly both inside and out. Specifications Length: 27cm Story Zuri Design was started 17 years ago by Helen Scanlan, who worked in Kenya and Uganda as a volunteer over a number of years. Helen saw the opportunity to alleviate poverty through the trade of handmade gifts and jewellery. Once set up as a wholesaler, Zuri Design financed a start- up workshop in Kibera slum, employing and training former street boys. Since then, Zuri Design orders have created work for more than 200 men and women in Kenya and Uganda, within over 10 workshops. Working so closely with people from slums in Kenya, means Helen has witnessed first-hand the hardship of living in poverty and the positive impact Zuri Design has within the communities, providing them with livelihoods so people can work their way out of the cycle of poverty. By ordering Zuri Design’s unique products you help to change lives, directly. Read More