This basket is hand-crocheted by Lydiah. Crochet work is a traditional craft in Tharaka Nithi, Kenya.
 
Lydiah Karimi is a member of the women’s adult literacy group in Kaaragankuru Village in Kenya. She joined so that she could learn to read and write. Being a member of this adult literacy group provides so much more than an education. It gives the women the opportunity to learn from each other and to provide support for those who need help and advice. 
 
The women also have the option to learn how to crochet, which is a traditional craft in Tharaka Nithi, Kenya. This income generating opportunity has been a source of pride for the women. Many are able to send their children to school, repair their homes, buy new clothes, animals, food, and get proper health care. 
 
Merry-Go-Strong (501(c)(3)) and the Tharaka Women’s Welfare Program (TWWP) work with rural women in Tharaka Nithi Kenya. MGS provides the acrylic yarn to help the women get started and then buys the baskets when they are completed. TWWP manages the adult literacy groups and monitors the wellbeing of the women. 
 
Proceeds from the resale of the baskets go to initiatives like: illuminating homes, providing water collection systems, and building a makerspace for workshops and skill building opportunities.
 
This basket has a photo of Lydiah. holding the basket she made.
 
Size: approximately 8"x 8"
Number of colors: 4
Material: Acrylic yarn
Maintenance: Machine wash in cold and air dry
Storage and shipping: this basket folds flat and is easy to ship and store