An extraordinary story of determination and survival.
Mary learned to make bags from banana leaves and jewellery from recycled paper – and taught it to others – as a way of bringing skills, fellowship and finance to widows and other women caught in the poverty trap.
She herself suffered a personal crisis which put the initiative on hold. Now, with an initial helping hand from friends in the UK, she is confident that, not only will the craft initiative be resurrected, but her story of coming through difficult circumstances will also help other women.
She said: “Maisha is the Swahili word for life and what I’ve been through is life. Now, not only will I be able to teach women about craft, but I will also be able to teach them about life.”
