The doors to Neema Crafts stand open and welcoming. A step
inside reveals beautiful handmade crafts of every sort: journals, jewelry,
blankets, clothes, cards. Mr. Haruna approaches and introduces himself to our
group. He has been working at Neema Crafts since 2003. The joy and compassion
in his eyes as he explains the center make it clear that he enjoys his work.
Neema Crafts was founded in 2003 by the Diocese of Ruaha. It’s
a center providing employment and training in craftsmanship for disabled
Tanzanians. Neema is a much needed refuge and opportunity for many. An
opportunity like this for disabled individuals is rare in Africa; you will find
that most are forced to seek their livelihood begging on the streets. The
center began with training and employing three individuals. Today one hundred
disabled people work there, and the waiting list for employment is
lengthy.
Mr. Haruna led us into one of Neema’s many workshops. I met
beautiful women and men using their well-developed talents to create impressive
crafts. I jumped into a few elementary Swahili conversations and learned of
each person’s deep enjoyment and pride in their work. I was truly marveled by
their talents- brightly colored scarves and fabrics were being intricately
woven before my eyes. Mr. Haruna led us into an adjoining room where many sat
at sewing machines and tables. I watched overwhelmed with happiness as animated
conversations in sign language took place all around me. I have never missed my
two lovely sisters more- Mariah and Carrie would have been right at home. I
wanted so badly to join in, but sadly sign language is not a universal
language. However, I was able to quickly learn the signs for ‘name’ and ‘how
are you’ and eagerly greeted a few.
After observing some of their work, we made our way upstairs
to the café (menus with dessert lists got the Americans drooling). My heart did
another leap when I learned that deaf individuals staff the café. We exchanged
names (finger spelling is the same!) and they graciously taught me a few more
signs. We made plans to return the following day to assist in the café and to
assist in the workshop on another day. I loved every minute there, and I cannot
wait to go back during any and all free time that I may have here in Iringa.
Something Mr. Haruna said to us during our time at Neema
Crafts really set my heart to dreaming and my mind to thinking. One of the
mottos or mission statements of the center is “What’s in your hand?� This
question drives their creativity and use of what’s around them to accomplish
their goal of providing livelihoods for disabled individuals. Their crafts are
made by recycled materials and things that most would consider useless:
recycled paper, recycled glass, maize flour, and my favorite- elephant dung.
It’s a simple concept and definitely not a groundbreaking one. So why don’t we
use it more? Not in just recycling or the go green kind of way, although I’m
all for that. But I think that every single person could take a look at what’s
in their hand… maybe physically the material things you’ve been blessed with,
but I’m thinking more along the lines of the abilities you’ve got. Don’t say
you don’t have any abilities or talents, that’s just ridiculous. You were
created by an incredibly imaginative God. He didn’t forget anything when He
made you. You’ve got specific gifts and abilities that only you can bring to
this world. I don’t necessarily mean a trade skill or artistic talent, but
maybe it’s the way you love people, or the way you listen with compassion, or
the way you can cheer people up with humor. I think there’s an inexhaustible
list of God’s uniquely bestowed gifts on people. These things are meant to be
used for His Kingdom. So stop holding out on us. You’ve got a lot to offer; just
look at what’s in your hand.
Use your powers for good
(said with a superhero fist pump)!
