Maji Mazuri Children’s Centre recently opened a Craft shop. This is a small, neatly laid wooden structure near the main gate, where the children’s work is on display. Two of the older students run the shop with assistance from teacher Carol. In a world where we are constantly reminded of what we cannot do, I share with you today a story about one person who has worked very hard to remind the Children of Maji Mazuri Centre of what they can do.James* was brought to the centre in December 2005. He was withdrawn and couldn’t talk. This was as a result of trauma from his previous life on the streets. After a lot of therapy and life skills training, he is a different person today. He sits happily in class, behind a sewing machine, sewing away and chatting with teacher Carol.
Michael* is 18 years old. Sitting on his wheelchair, we chat at the Maji Mazuri craft shop, where he now sells crafts and mends shoes. He is mending a shoe for one of his clients. His work has become very popular around the Maji Mazuri Centre and this has boosted his self esteem. The children are very happy to see their work up on display, and each time a visitor buys an item from the craft shop, they are not only buying the craft, but reminding the children that they are valuable and through their hands, beautiful things have been made. The class is now a buzz of activity, even though the sales have not yet completely picked, they use what they get to buy more materials for the life skills class.
