People Tree partners with Bombolulu to create beautiful handmade jewellery in copper, brass and silver plate. The artisans make every detail of the jewellery manually – even the link of each chain is made by hand.

Bombolulu is a Fair Trade and social business in Mombasa, Kenya, and was established in 1969 as a rehabilitation project sponsored by the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya. Besides jewellery, Bombolulu creates leatherwork, carving and textiles, providing work for over 100 people. 

How does Bombolulu make a difference?

Bombolulu provides support to disabled artisans by providing a working environment adapted to their needs and empowering them economically and socially to become fully integrated members of their communities.

The non-profit organisation produces crafts of a very high standard and gives vocational training to people. The artisans are also supported with many social benefits, including a clinic, a nursery, and a HIV prevention clinic.

Mwanamtama Abdalla’s Story

Mwanamtama is an artisan with Bombolulu, and has been in a wheelchair since she lost the use of her legs due to childhood polio. The disease left her with weak bones, so she is unable to bear children of her own.

This didn't stop her becoming a fantastic mother, however. She adopted two children and regularly looks after her niece and nephew in their school holidays.

With such a disability Mwanamtama would have found it very difficult to provide for herself, let alone live the full life she has raising her family. She joined Bombolulu in 1993 and has since been making Fair Trade jewellery, earning a fair wage. In her words:

"I feel terrible when I see disabled people in the streets begging. I am so lucky to be here, safe, secure and with a chance to live a full life."