Meet the Coop Who Made Your Product

Umutako Group in Byimana, Rwanda

Coop Leader
Meet Fracoise

Hi, my name is Fracoise, I am the Coop Leader of Umatako group and we have 100 members.

I am married with 3 children.  With my basket weaving income I support my children to go to school by paying their school fees and have purchased 20 chickens.

Leading 100 women is a very honorable role. I like the way I am able to learn more by carrying a larger role and seeing how I am able to help the 100 women in my co-op.

Umutako Group
Byimana, Rwanda
Our Favorite to Make
Target Basket
A target basket is a basket made by braided rafia that is woven. The basket is created in both an undyed color and black.

In Rwanda we eat a lot of different foods, our cooperatives favorite foods to feed our family are:

7.6 Years

The average length of time our members have been weaving with Kazi.

1,560%

The average amount more that our women are earning than their neighbors can because of weaving.

Saving

Our cooperative saves by investing in a group savings group.

Investing

Our cooperative has invested in a plot of land for farming and bringing crops to market in our community.

Kazi means work.

That’s what we create: works of art, that provide steady work, for artisans.

How We Work

We Create Demand

We create high demand for expertly woven goods from skilled artisans because it prevents poverty, and raises visibility for their meaningful and striking artistry.

We Pay Fair Wages

Kazi’s continued work with Nest ensures that our wages and practices meet the highest possible standards, evolving with the global marketplace in real time.

We Grow Communities

The fair wage we provide increases income ten-fold in many cases, which then filters into local economies and communities.

Our Purpose

Skilled African Women Weave Our Creations and Forever Change Their Worlds.