Natural sisal fibers threated over a core of locally gathered forest grasses become beautiful decor and functional household goods through hand craftsmanship.
Duterimbere means Let’s Move Forward, and the weavers of this cooperative are determined to use their craft to lift their families out of poverty and contribute to their community.
We use our time together not only to weave and exchange advice, but also to discuss important topics such as women’s rights.
KIIUKA Cooperative is a group of 6 young talented men who specialize in wood carving.
In terms of money and time, among the products we make, we like crafting measuring cups. But in terms of our feelings, we like crafting nativity sets, which remind us of the birth of Jesus. Working with Azizi Life is our hope; it is making us who we were wishing to be. – . Jabiro Jean de Dieu
Tunozumurimo members used to work separately and their income was too low because of lack of ideas, market and experience. cooperative, selling the quality of products made by law materials found in their community; It is like sharing with the beauty, culture and knowledge of rural Rwandan community. .
Icyizere group learned sewing, print-making, pearls beautification and weaving. They decided to focus on weaving bowls and trivets because of the opportunity to work with Azizi Life.
With help from Azizi Life, Icyizere Shyogwe became more organized, members’ skills improved and they received fair wages for their products. !
Twuzuzanye Weavers is a group that is able to pay their family needs, able to make savings and they have good reputation in their area.
Abadacogora has 22 weavers.- half are older ladies and rest are youth. Each one learnt their weaving skills from their parents and continue to pass it down through the generations.
With hard work, strong financial management and prayers, Abadacogora strive to be successful and sustainable.
Ababerarugo cooperative decided to group together with the purpose of fighting poverty and improving the quality of life using their skilled hands.
Ababerarugo means Beautifying our Homes, and the weavers of this cooperative are determined to use their craft to lift their families out of poverty and contribute to their community.
Ababerarugo boots the community spirit when they employ their neighbors during busy season of weaving.
Priska Kanakuze is the founder of the Kanguka Cooperative. She has passed down her weaving skills and Priska’s daughter Redempta is also a member of the group. When I was in the hospital about to have my first baby, I was scared. But then I remembered that it was Wednesday delivery day and at Azizi Life, my friends would be gathered together, praying for me. Then I felt assured and strengthened to bring my baby boy into the world. – Redempta
Our Artisan
Partners
Across the hills of Rwanda, groups of rural artisans are working to bring hope to their families through skillfully handcrafted goods. Azizi Life partners with over 30 independent groups- a total of over 500 artisan partners. Rising from the horrors of genocide, artisans from all backgrounds have joined together once again through their craft. Each artisan cooperative specializes in hand crafting products using specific techniques and raw materials. Azizi Life is honored to partner with these women and men, collaborating to connect makers, designers, and customers around the world.
Our
Products
We love serving your vision for beauty and meaning in the gifts you give, what you wear, and how you decorate. Azizi Life serves as a bridge, partnering with artisans and designers to offer high quality, ethically-sourced goods for life and gifting. Products are crafted by hand using local, natural, and renewable materials. Our modern and traditional collections include baskets, woven bowls, home décor, tabletop, woven jewelry, and bags. Azizi Life offers products to US customers from our warehouse in Spokane, Washington, as well as FOB sales directly from Rwanda.
Our
Mission
Azizi Life is a fair trade organization which partners with Rwandan artisans to bring beautifully designed, hand crafted goods to the world. As a not-for-profit organization, Azizi Life is dedicated to the wellbeing of our artisan partners and their families. In addition to opening economic opportunity through fair trade, Azizi Life invests in a range of community impact projects. Our Rwandan-led team facilitates adult literacy classes and offers other practical resources for personal, spiritual, and economic growth.
