Bombolulu Workshops & Cultural Centre, Kenya
Established 35 years ago, Bombolulu Workshops is a project of the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya (APDK). Located in Mombasa there are four sheltered workshops producing a range of jewellery, tailored goods, wood and leather items for both domestic and worldwide markets.
Visiting the workshops provides a chance to enjoy watching a busy and motivated community working together to achieve financial stability while conquering the stiff challenges set by disability in today’s busy world.
Wooden utensils made at the Mombasa Factory.Every year, thousands of different designs are undertaken for items of jewellery, wood, leather and soft furnishings. The workshops have a production capacity of nearly 250,000 separate items per annum. Many years of successful exporting have established the workshops as a reliable supplier and the project is a member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT). The fair trade market is a significant supporter of Bombolulu’s activities.
Workers preparing items for sale.Currently there are 150 salaried employees who receive a wide selection of benefits that include free housing on the organization’s land, housing allowances, an in-house clinic and medical scheme with subsidized costs, trade union membership, an employee managed cooperative to provide loans, and a school fees support programme.
Assembly of wheelchairs at Bombolulu, Mombasa.The disabled employee usually becomes the main wage-earner in the family and is able to support his or her children through schooling as well as other family members who might otherwise have no means for support.
We are delighted to be working with Bombolulu Workshops and hope you will continue to support this excellent community through purchasing items from our website.