A partnership between Kingston University and a craft centre
in Zimbabwe has proved so successful that a group of women from a remote
farming community are about to exhibit their work at one of the world's largest
design shows.
The head of Kingston's Design School, Simon Maidment, has
been sharing his expertise with the Lupane Women's Centre, whose hand-woven
baskets provide a much needed source of income for many families. Based in
rural Matabeleland, two hours' drive from Zimbabwe's second city, Bulawayo, the
centre gives women an opportunity to earn money at times of the year when they
cannot farm, enabling them to send their children to school or simply put food
on their tables.