The Umòja adventure is possible thanks to different partners around the world.
All our partners in Africa are social and cultural entrepreneurs. They work for the conservation of a fragile cultural heritage, respect for the environment and the professional integration of the most vulnerable people. They were the first to believe in us.
THE COOPERATIVE OF WEAVERS OF FASO DANFANI
- Burkina faso, Afrique
In the 1970s, Élisabeth, a self-taught weaver, created her own weaving centre to promote the professional integration of the most vulnerable women. Its centre helps to restore dignity to the most vulnerable women. Elizabeth’s philosophy: “Giving hope to others is my greatest achievement.”
THE MANJAK COOPERATIVE
- Sénégal, afrique
In his workshop in Saint-Louis, Maï has been involved for some twenty years in the preservation of textile crafts that are in danger of disappearing. Faced with social and cultural issues, it fights to bring these luxurious skills to life. The philosophy of his workshop: “To work with local materials and talents in order to enhance the value of the existing craftsmanship.”
TRADITIONAL DYEING AND PAINTING WORKSHOP
- Mali, Afrique
This traditional art centre is based on the traditional rules of the Bambara society. Artists paint on cotton strips. The quest for a job well done and tolerance guide this artistic temple.
Artisans of Divo
- CÔTE D'IVOIRE, afrique
The search for natural fibres led us to Guy’s workshop. This cooperative of weavers is engaged in a process of conservation of raffia and ancestral natural dyes. Historically, raffia textiles symbolize royalty, greatness among the dida of Côte d’Ivoire. For these craftsmen, “from the union comes the trust that itself gives birth to love, a feeling from which everything becomes possible.”
THE CRAFTSMAN BUKENYA
- Ouganda, Afrique
Bukenya is our only partner that does not operate within a cooperative. His father taught him the traditional technique of extracting tree bark. This know-how, considered by UNESCO as the oldest know-how of humanity, is losing ground in Uganda. We are working with Bukenya on the establishment of a network to facilitate the preservation of this heritage. Bukenya’s words: “Let’s preserve our ecosystem. Let us take what nature gives us without destroying it.”
CENTRE FOR WEAVING BANANA FIBers
- Ouganda, Afrique
This cooperative has been working for several years on the processing of banana fibres, an innovative and biodegradable product. It has trained more than 400 young people in the extraction and use of banana fibre. Some have specialized in the production of textiles and handicrafts.