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Our livelihood diversification through creativity work continues to take shape in its growth. The project consultant, Sandi Albertson of Wild Artefacts, recently met with Xwiskurusa Trust members to draw up a business plan for the new highway craft centre along the A3 highway – which is an exciting development in the unfolding of the Kgalagadi and Ghanzi Drylands Ecosystem Project (KGDEP). In keeping with, and encouraging, a community-led approach in our work, the introduction of this outlet is an opportunity for craftspersons of various skillsets to broaden their clientele and we want to ensure that the Community Trusts are at the forefront of determining what will become of the knowledge imparted through the crafts workshops that CCB and Sandi has been facilitating.
Workshops in woodwork, beadwork, embroidery, painting and leatherwork have been conducted in the villages under Xwiskurusa Trust (East Hanahai, West Hanahai, and Kacgae) and Au Sha Xa Ulu Trust (Bere). As with all things unfamiliar, the uptake has been challenging, however, there are community members who continue to show up for themselves at each turn. In offering a variety of skills, it is our intention that natural interest and capability will lead each person to what they are better suited to practice. It has been encouraging to see young men joining in the workshops in the traditionally female-orientated crafts such as beadwork and embroidery, shaking the stereotypes that often prevent people from expressing themselves freely. As an extension of these workshops, the more advanced artisans are already trialling an independent production system as a means of getting them ready to go to market, in an effort to realise the goal of building resilient livelihoods through various means.
To further encourage productivity and collaboration among the artisans in the four villages, CCB commissioned works for our stall at the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) Fall Expo in San Francisco and our 20thAnniversary Gala Dinner in the capital of Botswana, Gaborone. From hand-painted totes to ostrich eggshell bracelets, beaded lampshades and an embroidered tapestry, the artisans stepped up to the challenge and put their best feet forward. Visitors to our Expo stall also left with one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewellery sourced from our local communities, much to their delight. We look forward to nurturing this talent across all generations to such a point that it ceases to be a question of whether there is interest in the work, but rather one of how best to meet the demand locally and internationally.
Workshops in woodwork, beadwork, embroidery, painting and leatherwork have been conducted in the villages under Xwiskurusa Trust (East Hanahai, West Hanahai, and Kacgae) and Au Sha Xa Ulu Trust (Bere). As with all things unfamiliar, the uptake has been challenging, however, there are community members who continue to show up for themselves at each turn. In offering a variety of skills, it is our intention that natural interest and capability will lead each person to what they are better suited to practice. It has been encouraging to see young men joining in the workshops in the traditionally female-orientated crafts such as beadwork and embroidery, shaking the stereotypes that often prevent people from expressing themselves freely. As an extension of these workshops, the more advanced artisans are already trialling an independent production system as a means of getting them ready to go to market, in an effort to realise the goal of building resilient livelihoods through various means.
To further encourage productivity and collaboration among the artisans in the four villages, CCB commissioned works for our stall at the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) Fall Expo in San Francisco and our 20thAnniversary Gala Dinner in the capital of Botswana, Gaborone. From hand-painted totes to ostrich eggshell bracelets, beaded lampshades and an embroidered tapestry, the artisans stepped up to the challenge and put their best feet forward. Visitors to our Expo stall also left with one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewellery sourced from our local communities, much to their delight. We look forward to nurturing this talent across all generations to such a point that it ceases to be a question of whether there is interest in the work, but rather one of how best to meet the demand locally and internationally.
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