When looking back over this past winter, it’s not hard to see how the math adds up. In 2019, Loom had begun conversations with leaders in Uganda who wanted to co-host a Celebrating Children Workshop (CCW) in 2020. As we talked further about a CCW Uganda, everyone agreed that 70 participants was the maximum number…
Recently one of our staff has been sharing photos with us of traditional African textiles. While Africa is now known for its bright, exquisite wax-printed fabrics, for many centuries the intricate art of weaving on hand looms has also been a large part of their textile heritage. As we read through descriptions of the laborious…
This December, we are reflecting on all the gifts that this most unusual year as held. We have seen this year simultaneously challenge, stretch, discourage, and inspire innovation and creativity, both for us here at Loom and social innovators across East Africa. Today we invite you to celebrate twelve of the many gifts of 2020…
Creativity might just be one of the most important skills a teacher has, especially in this season of remote and distance learning. In Loom’s Celebrating Children Workshop’s Facilitator training this Spring, we discussed the role of a teacher and what it means to help students learn. Just like in the CCW, this meant using creative…
As the six-month incubation period of Vuka small businesses comes to a close, we asked both Loom coaches and business owners what their highlights from this new initiative were. “Moving from an unknown stage to a ‘Aha!’ That is my experience with coaching my clients. I grew in my ability to be an active…
We start out at dark, and first light becomes a crimson streak across the sky. The sound of our van lurching along the rocky terrain is mingled with cowbells and braying goats. We are in Engikaret, the “place of thorns,” in a Maasai region outside of Arusha, Tanzania. We are here to experience what it…
Here Your feet walk. As the sun rises, your toes feel the red dirt still cold with early dew As your mother watches your silhouette shimmer and glimmer and disappear. Girls like you who’ve had to stay home, Girls like you who’ve dared to believe, Know it’s your place to weave the future. …
As Loom looks forward to the new decade ahead, we’ve gathered online with social innovators across Africa to discuss their vision for their communities. While we discussed the immense challenges they face in areas of education, job creation and healthcare, one theme that kept emerging was that of generations. “This is about the youth, the…
Enjoy a global culinary feast with us! As we continue celebrating Loom’s ten year anniversary, we want to honor the many different cultures and nations we come from to make Loom what it is today. From Thailand to Cameroon, each Loomer has submitted their favorite recipe for this virtual dinner party from around the world.…
Vuka small business graduates have been working hard for several months to launch their new social enterprises. Hear them share what they have learned in their own words – their joys and struggles, stories and celebrations. Geoff and Beatrice: “We are celebrating the start of the peanut butter making! Little by little it is…
