Our set up and what we do.
Afrocentrique was conceived in Malawi where
we lived, worked and brought up our young family in a remote &
traditional environment. An immersion into village life, cultures
& values over the years combined with our involvement in numerous
sustainable & self help development projects has inspired a deep
interest and respect for people, places and ideas committed to resolving
and obviating poverty and injustice on this beautiful continent. Afrocentrique
has evolved from this and we believe that our contribution will play
a significant role in the sustainable development of the arts &
crafts industry in Malawi.
Our team includes Mercy, our joint founding partner
(our business lady of the year) and numerous artisans, craft makers,
friends and supporters. We are striving to create sustainable development
of the ‘cottage‘ craft industry in Malawi to enable
the generation of new money, foreign exchange and more opportunity
for all those involved. Our products are sourced locally and we
pay an agreed price in cash at the time of collection thus offering
our suppliers some financial stability and the opportunity to create
for a wider market.
We sell on-line and at
various markets in France where we now reside.
The constraints of selling via the internet means we can only show
a limited stock in the craftshop, there is plenty more we can source
or make to order so please enquire if you want to buy something
from us but can’t find it. We can make most things wooden,
including bespoke furniture using ‘salvaged’ and standing
hardwood. Please feel free to enquire.
…where’s Malawi?
Malawi is a former British protectorate (Nyasaland) located in Eastern
Africa bordering Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique. It has a population
of some 10 million being largely rurally based and reliant on agriculture
and subsistence farming practices. Based on poverty mapping analysis,
approximately 65% of Malawi’s population lives in poor households
(National Statistical Office, Government of Malawi 2002). Despite
statistics Malawi is rich in culture and tradition, boasting stunning
landscapes and the 3rd largest lake in Africa. Malawians are friendly
and honest people to an extent where the country is widely regarded
as ‘the warm heart of Africa’.
…some interesting
statistics.
…..HIV infection rate estimate 20 - 30% of population…..infant
mortality rate 20%.....life expectancy 39 years…..22.7% without
toilet facilities…..92% use liquid paraffin lamps for lighting…..93.5
use firewood as cooking fuel…..more stats are available on
request.
What can I do?
Yes, obviously you can support afrocentrique
by buying our crafts online and at the markets but……we’re
also looking to develop other products and initiatives, so please
let us know your ideas. It may well mean we can save you buying
an inferior mass produced product somewhere else!
And….if you have any interesting tales to tell
or photos to ‘post’ about your travels we will be adding
a ‘gallery of life’ (in Africa) to the website. Positive
vibes only please……….funny stories, jokes &
proverbs especially welcome.
‘Little by little make a bundle’ - Chief
Mkandapasi, Manchewe Village, Malawi.
Lastly for those of you who can give more we have
various means by which you can assist:
- Volunteer placement opportunities to Malawi are
available through us and various established organisations (short
or long term), for skills exchange and technical project support.
- We are looking for people to sell our crafts directly
in other areas of Europe, at markets, festivals etc…..interested?
- AND it is possible to donate funds directly to
afrocentrique or any of our projects
accounts. All funds donated are fully accounted for and you will
become a ‘friend of afrocentrique’
receiving new product information and our news-letter.
Please enquire for more information on any of
the above.
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