A self empowerment and upliftment project by the Jafuta Foundation
HAND CRAFTED IN VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
We are the strength of community,
the power of the human hand,
the foundation of family,
the knowledge of our ancestors,
the hope for the future
– we are the Batoka Creatives crafters and artisans.
ABOUT US
Based in the rural areas surrounding Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, we work from the Centres of Hope set up by the Jafuta Foundation, to create beautiful jewellery and homewares that hold a place anywhere in the world.
Founded to create a sustainable living for the women and youth of the Dibutibu area through upskilled handcrafts, Batoka Creatives work with the highest quality glass seed beads, sterling silver and gold plated brass, recycled snare wire, fine embroidery threads and cotton-based fabrics.
iTHEMBA WOMEN & YOUTH
CREATIVE & EMPOWERMENT COMMUNITY CENTRE
ABOUT JAFUTA FOUNDATION
The group is supported by the Jafuta Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on helping humans and animals alike by creating and maintaining equilibrium between community, wildlife and conservation, education and culture.
A catalyst for bringing together the private sector, local authorities, communities and protected area management agencies, the Foundation forms an integral point through which to channel funds or assistance to any agency or cause with 100% guaranteed transparency. There are no hidden costs for administration and expenditures.
The Jafuta Foundation focuses on the following:
- community: income-generating projects, alternative energy solutions,
improved crop & livestock management & access to water;
W.A.S.H. programs; washable sanitary pad making;
human/wildlife conflict resolution; empowerment;
women's refuge and vocational training
- education: scholarships and infrastructural support to rural schools;
sport and leisure development; online & technology learning;
literacy & wider education programs;
wildlife conservation training
- traditional culture and history: museum curation; publishing;
cultural exchanges
- conservation and wildlife: solution seeking and National Parks support;
ecotourism
OUR RETAIL OUTLET 'THE CREATIVE STUDIO'
BASED AT ELEPHANTS' WALK SHOWCASES
OUR HANDMADE PRODUCTS WITH THE BEST OF
OTHER HANDICRAFTS FROM AROUND AFRICA
OUR PROJECTS
BEADWORK
Using the finest quality Miyuki glass seed beads, our jewellery is hand-beaded and loomed. Colours are interspersed with precious metal plated beads and adorned with decorative finishings, utilizing the traditional hand skills of the local people in a contemporary way.
EMBROIDERY & FELTWORK
Cottons, linens and felts are combined with African interpretations of hand embroidery and beading to create whimsical toys, decorations and interior items.
SEWING
Starting on hand and foot pedal machines, tailors progress to making up tote bags, interior items and gift packaging, in bright traditional fabrics and local cottons.
MOPANE SNARE WIRE JEWELLERY COLLABORATION
Working with the skilled artisans of Mopane, fine beadwork is combined with recycled snare wire to create beautiful jewellery with a conscience.
More projects on are on the way.
Money earnt through the use of skills learned in training is used to pay school fees, medical bills and provide a good healthy living for the families of the crafters and artisans. In an arid area previously reliant on subsistence farming with erratic rainfall, the colours of hope have blossomed through the beautiful handmade creations from the group.
