THE OLIVE BRANCH FOR CHILDREN
 P3120852 |  Maisha CarpentryIsmail, Kulwa and Doto |  Innovative ProjectsThe Okoa Project |
|---|---|---|
 Maisha CarpentryIsmail Matipa experimenting with new designs |  The Design CentreOur first batik training @ Kubuni |  The Design CentreOur first Batik training @ Kubuni |
Kubuni Centre and Collaborative
Kubuni (meaning “to create” in Kiswahili) serves as a platform to support local capacity building, innovation and knowledge sharing with the aims of creating equal opportunities for Tanzanians, and bridging the gap in knowledge production through practical applications.
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Capacity Building: We define capacity building as the process of developing and strengthening skills Tanzanians need to thrive in today’s world. We do so by providing training, workshops, and support with the end goal of students being capable to complete tasks independently.
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Innovation: We define innovation as being original and creative in thinking. The Kubuni Centre provides the space and materials to experiment, create and make mistakes in their product and business designs. We believe the best products are made through doing and re-doing!
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Knowledge Sharing: We define knowledge sharing as the transfer of valuable skills, methods and information through international, national, and local relationships and networks to everyone involved in our projects. We believe that the best way to learn is to pass down experience, not copy off a blackboard!
The Kubuni Centre is our creative hub providing space and workshops to entrepreneurs in Mbeya Region. Focused on community empowerment, the Kubuni Centre, provides the skills, resources and physical space for Tanzanians to realize their innovative ideas.
At our site Kubuni Gardens, in Uyole, Mbeya we have a group of artisans making beautiful handmade earrings, and bamboo pieces. Maisha is our line of products our Kubuni Artisans have crafted. Maisha (life in Swahili) provides employment, and financial stability and independent for many individuals in the Mbeya Region.
By purchasing our products, you are not only receiving a uniquely hand-crafted item, but you are empowering vulnerable people and helping support The Olive Branch for Children’s projects. Visit our etsy page store now.
TOBFC understands financial security is central to positive development for individuals, families and communities. Every year, TOBFC offers various levels of start-up grants to help individuals bring to fruition their plans and businesses. The grants range from $75 to $1500. Each grantee is appointed a case worker, who helps them realize their plans and monitors their progress.
KUBUNI ARTISANS
KUBUNI GRANTS
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
@KubuniCentre
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
@Kubuni_Centre
Maisha is our artisan product line. Our artisans are able to craft beautiful fairtrade bamboo, batik and beaded products.
When you purchase a Maisha product you are not only receiving a beautiful handmade item, but you are empowering women in the Mbeya Region. Through our programs, we are able to teach young people in the Uyole Area.
Our products are sold through Tanzania, Germany and Canada!
Email us for our 2019 Catalog.
Community cooperative banks
TOBFC's Community Cooperative Banks Program enabled individuals to save their money, loan to one another and hopefully achieve a degree of financial security.
Each Community Cooperative Bank is comprised of at least 15 members. Each such group determines whether its “fiscal period” will be 6 months, 9 months or 12 months. During the applicable period, members can save and invest through the group and receive loans from the group’s savings. At the end of the period, each member is returned that member’s savings plus the applicable percentage of dividends. The dividends are a result of the interest rates on loans given out by the individual “banks”. The program currently has 140 savings groups led by community members and a total of 2900 members, of whom the majority are vulnerable women. Participants in the Akiba! Nufaika!! program have used their savings to pay school fees for their children, farm without taking out loans, build homes, pay off medical bills, start new businesses, expand their existing businesses and support their families.