Blog

We are delighted to announce the launch of Save Our Suzanis, Bootstrap’s unique development project implemented with our development partner, Imon International, and sponsored by the Swiss government.

Suzani making has been central to Tajik culture for centuries. Suzanis are not just exquisite pieces, they are the central avenue for mothers to bond with their daughters. This hugely important tradition, however, is under threat—while all Tajik women once knew the art of suzani making, today only a handful of these women remain. Utilizing the skills of Bootstrap master suzani maker Soliha Sharopova, Save Our Suzanis will reclaim and revive the suzani sector in Tajikistan, increase cooperation across the country (Tajikistan is still recovering from civil war) and, critically, create sustainable income-generating opportunities for poor rural women. Check back often for updates on this exciting project!

The Bootstrap Team just came back from Zambia where we worked with Raphael, Rose and Mutinta and their microfinance bank Harmos. We thought we would post a few highlights from the trip.

Just about the cutest boys ever playing in Mutinta's village.

This is the school just next door to Rose's house.

This is Rose's front door and what led to Rose's Rugs.

Rose's work

In the countryside water is very scarce. We saw these kids taking their family's share of water on their way back from school.

This is microfinance in action! We were honored to be invited by Raphael's village to their weekly meeting with their Harmos banker (Harmos is our development partner in Zambia). In the meeting they talked about ways to improve sales, good bookkeeping practices, and how much they need to save to succeed during the low season. 

These are the wild berries that grow near the reeds that are used for Raphael's baskets. 

"Before Bootstrap, only those with money had access to export and as a result, those who were poor never could progress because they didn't have those opportunities. This is why I am so happy to be working with The Bootstrap Project, I pray that with my hard work and skill and my partnership with them my dreams will soon come true. And what are my hopes and dreams? I hope to be able to give the best education to my two children, l dont want them to be street kids just because they do not have a father. l work hard for them, no matter the downfalls in my life. l know god will answer my prayers one day, and l will also go back to school, this is my dream." -- Rose Phiri, Bootstrap Artisan, Zambia

At Bootstrap, we believe that development projects can only work if they are responsive to the needs of the people. As part of our development efforts, we asked Rose Phiri, one of our artisans in Zambia, to write about herself. We found her response to be both informative and inspiring. We have included her letter in this post. Please feel free to leave comments for Rose, she is very excited to hear from you!

"Hello my dear, you know this is my first time to write such a thing so please when you read it, where you feel it needs to be edited do that for me and where you feel it needs to be added to, please do that for me also. You know I am learning these things. [Editor's note: We thought Rose's letter was perfect just the way it was, so we didn't change a thing.]

My name is Rose Phiri. I am a mother of two and am specialised in handicrafts. I am a person who loves to learn from others and learn things that l didn't know before. l love making friends and traveling outside of my village. I am a hard working lady who has lived all my life fighting for a better future for me and my children.

Crocheting is one of the skills that has made my life go on in my country. l started chrocheting when l was a little girl, my mother is the one who taught me how to do it. I can make a lot of things using my hands and l really thank god for this talent that l have. I also do tailoring, but unfortunately l dont have enough materials to make use of the knowledge that l have in tailoring.
l love my job even though there is a lot of labour in it. ln my country not everybody appreciates handcrafted work. l would love to become more popular outside my country where people appreciate handmade work. l would also love to meet different people with different ideas so that l can learn more.

Zambia is a christian nation and there is peace in Zambia. Coming to the standard of living in my country, life is so difficult. Women and men who dont have jobs engage themselves in microfinance, but we still live hand to mouth. Sometimes people are not able to educate their children, not because they don't want to, but because they cannot afford to. Women and men who are in handicrafts in my country could be the most happiest people if only we could find a way to make our businesses grow outside our country. I am not saying that microfinance is not helping, it is really helping, all we need to have is access outside the country with or without money. Before Bootstrap, only those with money had access to export and as a result, those who were poor never could progress because they didn't have those opportunities. This is why I am so happy to be working with The Bootstrap Project, I pray that with my hard work and skill and my partnership with them my dreams will soon come true. And what are my hopes and dreams? I hope to be able to give the best education to my two children, l dont want them to be street kids just because they do not have a father. l work hard for them, no matter the downfalls in my life. l know god will answer my prayers one day, and l will also go back to school, this is my dream.

To sponsor Rose's microfinance agency, Harmos, click here.
To see Rose's work click here. 

While more than 60% of the population lives below the poverty line, Tajikistan is still rich in culture. This post provides a glimpse of the country's traditions and demonstrates how some Tajiks are coming up with their own innovative ways to end poverty.

Smoke from shashlik (shish kabab) stands covers the main road in Khojand, Tajikistan.

Instead of staying in a chain hotel, we chose to support a local micro-enterprise. We were the first guests of a women who converted her apartment into a charming, entirely Tajik guest house. The room was on the second floor the third from the left. It was a cozy place with some crazy wallpaper!

Maxine in the kitchen of the guest house, entranced by that crazy wallpaper!

The apartment's mailbox.

And the stairwell. 

This is how many Tajiks men pass their time, telling stories with an endless pot of tea.

Tajik bread not only tastes delicious, it is also a central part of Tajik tradition with its own set of rules. As a guest in a Tajik home you will likely be greeted with this bread. To receive it, first place your left hand on your heart and receive the bread with your right hand. When eating the bread, do not place it face down. And, if there is any left do not throw it out, most likely your host will give you the bread to take home or they will use it to feed their animals.