I am a friend of this project
I liked this project by Barbara Jackson and Shirley Fintz very much when I visited SA last year in October. So I would like to introduce it to foma by the way.
Monkeybiz South Africa
Ceramic artists Barbara Jackson and Shirley Fintz, collectors of African beadwork and art have facilitated a revival of an ancient African tradition in Southern Africa. Together with Mathapelo Ngaka, they made their dream come true.
A desire to create employment and empowerment for 450 disadvantaged women in Cape Town has led to the creation of MONKEYBIZ SOUTH AFRICA. Monkeybiz supply richly coloured beads to women in the townships of Mandela Park, Khayelitsha and Phillipi.
Each woman is paid for every item produced and since they work from home, can look after their families and avoid transport costs.
Every two weeks the leaders of each area bring the completed products to Monkeybiz headquaters in the city centre. Every beadwork produced is a one-off piece.
Monkeybiz is a non-profit organization. All profits go back into the communities.
