Tour The Wild Through Cross Stitch

Join a game park adventure and see Kenyan wildlife in their habitat by viewing exquisite art cross stitched by vulnerable women.

Walking Elephants (2019/2019) by SalomeOriginal Source: Carakana

The Carakana initiative and the role of cross stitching

The story about wildlife is told by members of Carakana - a social enterprise which facilitates the transfer and preservation of indigenous skills and cross stitching through the production of handmade items. This story outlines the role of cross stitch for Carakana's members.

A Herd of Elephants (2019/2019) by NjeriOriginal Source: Carakana

Sparking Hope

"My name is Njeri, I have three children and one of them, Gladys, 8, has cerebral palsy. I sell second-hand clothes and my capital came from this project. My family is so impressed with this project that my children also took up cross stitching on this piece."

Leopard on a Tree (2019/2019) by EuniceOriginal Source: Carakana

Art Is All In The Details

"My name is Eunice and I am living with disability, I worked on this pattern. It was quite challenging because it is a very detailed piece.  I used the money to pay school fees for my 2 kids in secondary school. I also boosted my vegetable vending business. I thank Carakana."

Hippos in Water (2018/2018) by LornaOriginal Source: Carakana

Staying Afloat

"I am Lorna, living with disability and I worked on this hippo pattern which took me two months to complete. It was a very intensive piece to work on. I used the money on school fees for my child, thanks to Carakana."

Walking Elephants (2019/2019) by SalomeOriginal Source: Carakana

Agility

 ''My name is Salome, I am a person living with disability and I worked on this elephants’ pattern which took me six weeks to complete.  I bought a commercial deep fryer after receiving payment from Carakana. I opened a fast-food café to generate more income for my family."

Sneaking on Prey (2019/2019) by SilantoiOriginal Source: Carakana

Beat The Odds

"My name is Silantoi, I am a separated, disabled mother of one.  I got paid for work done. With the money I earned, I immediately bought school supplies for my child and bought sugar for my home because we hadn’t used it in a while. May God bless Carakana abundantly!" 

Elephant Silhouette (2019/2019) by NekesaOriginal Source: Carakana

Hope For A Better Tomorrow

"My name is Nekesa, I am a  separated mother of three currently incarcerated. 
The project has been of great impact in my life as I have peace of mind, the money has helped me support my family and I have hope for a brighter future. We thank Carakana!"

Two Leopards Playing (2019/2019) by DorcasOriginal Source: Carakana

A Little Goes A Long Way

"My name is Dorcas, I am a  single mother of one living with a disability. It has really been a challenge with no source of income .The proceeds I received went a long way  in  paying for my child’s school fees because her education is key. May God bless and Protect Carakana!"

Aerial View (2019/2019) by ClaraOriginal Source: Carakana

To New Milestones

"My name is Clara, I am a person living with disability. The earnings enabled me to pay fees for a child who has just joined university.  I also went into farming which is a milestone for me too! I’m very grateful to Carakana and I pray they are blessed for women empowerment."

Elephant in the Savanna (2019/2019) by CarolineOriginal Source: Carakana

Taken By The Cross Stitch Piece

"My name is Caroline and I am living with disability, I worked on this elephant pattern for a month and a half. I invested in a chicken-rearing project. I pray Carakana will continue to be blessed."

King of the Jungle (2019/2019) by GladysOriginal Source: Carakana

As Brave As A Lion

"My name is Gladys,  a single parent of six. Providing for all six is an uphill task without a stable source of income. Cross stitching has had great benefits in my life; it has relieved me of stress, elevated our lives by giving them the best education. Thank you Carakana!"

A Leopard Hunting (2019/2019) by ShivachiOriginal Source: Carakana

A New Way Of Life

"My name is Shivachi, I am a single mother of one and currently imprisoned.  I have been able to send money for my child’s personal effects. Stitching helps me manage my stress as I put my entire mind in it instead of thinking about things that make me sad. I thank Carakana!"

Bonding Time (2019/2019) by CatherineOriginal Source: Carakana

My Needs Are Sorted

"My name is Catherine, I am a separated mother of two, currently imprisoned. Payment from Carakana goes a long way in assisting me take care of my needs as well as my children's back at home.  It controls my stress and gives me peace of mind. My God bless Carakana abundantly."

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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