In February, the Japanese Ambassador handed a cheque for $85,000 to Susie Hart for Neema ('Grace') Crafts in Tanzania.

Susie Hart, pictured (right), received the cheque from the ambassador as a donation towards the new Neema Crafts Centre building.

The cheque will meet about a quarter of the total cost of the new building.  Neema raised the rest from groups and individuals. 

Pictures of the event appeared on Tanzanian TV and in newspapers there.

The funding was granted after a long and arduous application process, during which Neema Crafts had to compete against many other worthwhile projects before finally being selected as a beneficiary.

Neema Crafts Centre, which offers handicrafts training and employment opportunities to deaf and physically disabled people in Iringa, Tanzania, is currently housed in a rented warehouse.

It has become massively overcrowded and unsuitable for Neema's purposes in almost every conceivable way.

Signing the agreement
(Photo: © The Harts/CMS)

Having started with CMS mission partner Susie and three young deaf men working in one room, Neema Crafts has now trained and employed over 80 people, so it's understandable that it has outgrown its original premises!

The new centre will give Neema Crafts the space to offer much needed opportunities to many more deaf and physically disabled people, who are currently on the waiting list for such openings, providing them with hope, dignity and a future.

Andy and Susie Hart, with their daughters Grace and Rosie, have been serving as CMS mission partners in the Diocese of Ruaha in Tanzania since 2002.

Published: 11:45 AM :: Thursday, April 17, 2008 :: 124 views :: 0 Comments :: IN BRIEF, All News and Views