Hello, my name is Proscovia. I am originally from Uganda and have lived in the UK for over 20 years.
I have worked in the UK charity sector all
my working life, but it was the 6 years I spent working as a Programme Officer for Voluntary Services Overseas(VSO) in Uganda and as an Area Manager (Community fundraising) for Save the Children South London that heightened my interest and commitment to international development and to fair trade in particular. Through my work I was lucky enough to visit other African countries including Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia and see the beauty and variety of handicrafts made by local people. I believe that one way of ensuring sustainable growth, job creation and poverty reduction in developing countries is to support small producers and enable them to access international markets.
I have recently been given the opportunity to realise my dream of setting up my own business Twiga Gifts Ltd with Fair trade principles at the heart of its mission. Whilst international aid provides a lifeline for many vulnerable people in developing countries, there’s a growing cohort questioning its effectiveness in delivering long term economic growth and poverty reduction. They argue that the focus should be on assisting developing countries to become economically independent through trade and access to international markets. ( See article in my blog). It is with some of these arguments in mind that I have felt that the time is right for me to follow my passion, whilst contributing to the empowerment of small producers in Africa and other developing countries.
Twiga Gifts is a dedicated online shop providing a range of quality, hand-made, authentic yet contemporary Fair Trade products, ethically sourced from Africa and other developing countries around the world.
Our current range of jewellery, bags, accessories, baby clothes art and crafts are sourced directly from crafts men and women in Kenya, Ghana, Mali and Nepal as well as Fair Trade suppliers in the UK.
Our Mission
To Bring unusual, handmade, ethically sourced products to our customers in the UK and abroad whilst enabling crafts men and women in Africa and Asia to access international markets and support themselves, their families and their communities.
Our Vision
A world where trading partnerships are equitable and based on respect, leading to mutual benefits including the exchange of a rich cultural heritage, economic growth and job creation.
Our Values
- Excellent customer service
- Quality and beauty in our products
- Promoting Fair trade (see Fair Trade page)
- Contributing to environmental sustainability
- Contributing to sustainable communities by supporting grass roots charities in countries where we source our products.
