Muungano Artists Self Help Group

Kenya

Founded in 1999, Muungano Artist Self-Help Group empowers impoverished Kenyans, especially rural women, to earn sustainable incomes. Muungano, meaning "togetherness and unity" in Swahili, is reflected in its growth from four artisans into a thriving organization of 125—who have more than doubled their earnings from soapstone carving! They enjoy fair wages, shelter, food, education, health care and other community projects that support orphans, widows, and others affected by HIV/AIDS.