A better future woven into every rug
We arrive under a darkening sky, with thunder rolling round. The Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers group has known many such days.
This women's self-help project near Mt Kenya, 240km from Nairobi, was started by Annah Warutere in 1977. There were just six women to begin with, desperate for income and to educate their children.
"The men keep on drinking and drinking so the women are the founders of home," Lucy Wanjiru explained.
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There have been difficult days. But those first women, with the wise guidance of Mrs Warutere, have weathered the worst.
The fine wool of highland Kenya is excellent for hand-spun yarn, and there was an abundance of plants for natural dyes.
Mrs Wanjiru, a kikuyu woman showing me around, said they use many weeds for greens, grass, marigold, the mould off cactus and the cochineal beetle for a strong scarlet-brown.
They make rugs, sweaters, shawls and scarves, weave baskets and make "other appealing items".
It is all handcrafted, from spinning to dying to weaving.
Spinning wool from local sheep. Picture: Stephen Scourfield
There are now 137 women involved and 330 children are at the primary school Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers funds, with 212 applicants for the 90 places at the new secondary school it is just starting.
"I like my job because it helps me to educate my kids and to feed my family. I say 'thank you' to God," Mrs Wanjiru said.
"Mrs Warutere is a good woman."
FACT FILE
• A visit to Nayuki Spinners and Weavers is part of Wildlife Safari's Kenya tours. Wildlife Safari, a family business based in Nairobi, where it was started 40 years ago, also has an office in Subiaco, and specialises in Kenyan travel.
• The Celebration Safari is a 10-day trip, with nights at Nairobi Serena Hotel, Larson's Camp, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club and Mara Explorer Camp.
• For departures until March, it is $9900 per person, twin share. In April and May it is $7900 each, in June $8900 and from July to December, $9900. This includes luxury accommodation, a guide, most meals, special events and game viewing. It also includes a four-year high school scholarship for one child at Kilimani. (It excludes international and domestic airfares.)
• Wildlife Safari has other itineraries and options. The animal migration is from the end of July to October, but any time is good to visit.
• Details: see www.wildlifesafari.com.au, email trevor@wildlifesafari.com.au or phone 1800 998 558.
• Wildlife Safari recommends flying with Emirates to Nairobi. The flight is through Dubai, with good connections to Nairobi and other parts of north Africa. The flight from Dubai to Kenya is only about four hours. See www.emirates.com/au and travel agents.
