Refugee Made Design
DESIGN COLLABORATION WITH REFUGEE ARTISANS
In 2021 we started our creative journey, collaborating with refugee artisans based in Zambia. Through the UNHCR led program Made51.
$6,375.21
AS OF 2024 WE HAVE provided
Thanks to purchases of our collaborative refugee-made designs sold at Tribal Textiles, we have paid a total of $6,375.21 to refugees across Zambia.
The Settlement of Mantapala
PROJECT 01 • Mantapala
Since 2017, Zambia has been taking in refugees fleeing from continuing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fast forward to 2021 and the population of Congolese refugees restarting their lives in the new refugee settlement of Mantapala has climbed to 17,232 individuals.
In partnership with Made51 and UNHCR, Tribal Textiles set up an artisan project in the Mantapala settlement.
Our Mission: To create sustainable impact through creative craftsmanship.
Sustainable Designing
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATION
We kept sustainability in mind for our designs, being so far from the nearest city, instead of buying materials we sourced from the land - from natural dyes to fallen wood. The whole collection was made using materials from within the settlement.
We were lucky enough to meet such a wonderful group of enthusiastic creatives and help them save up money in a place where quite literally there is no way to earn.
In 2022 our group repatriated back to The Democratic Republic of Congo, not only taking with them new skills, but new friendships too. We wish them all the best on their journey home and we will never forget our journey to meet them.
All of the products listed on our website are the last of this collection.
Read About Our Journey
Behind The Design • The Carved Kuba Pot
Crafted by Refugees • Made51 Project
We are proud of our thoughtful collection, inspired by the traditional Congolese Kuba pattern, and that we can confidently label this a sustainable collection.
When it came to designing as part of the Made 51 initiative, years of bush living gave us that awareness we needed to help design alongside the artisans of the Congolese refugee settlement. Being based in the middle of the African bush gives you a height
Behind The Design • The Carved Kuba Pot
Crafted by Refugees • Made51 Project
We are proud of our thoughtful collection, inspired by the traditional Congolese Kuba pattern, and that we can confidently label this a sustainable collection.
When it came to designing as part of the Made 51 initiative, years of bush living gave us that awareness we needed to help design alongside the artisans of the Congolese refugee settlement. Being based in the middle of the African bush gives you a height
Who are Made51?
BRINGING BEAUTIFUL REFUGEE-MADE PRODUCTS TO A GLOBAL MARKET
All around the world, MADE51 - a UNHCR initiative - creates opportunities for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people to work and earn a living through craftsmanship. Being self-reliant is one of the most effective ways people can rebuild their lives with dignity.
The MADE51 model is both sustainable and scalable. In each country, MADE51 identifies a leading social enterprise to work with the refugee artisans, combine their capabilities with the skills of refugee artisans, thereby creating an innovative, market-based model for the economic inclusion of refugees.
"Refugees have skills and talents that only need a chance to grow and flourish. Within each piece lies a story of history and culture, and the chance for a person who has fled war and persecution to offer something of beauty and style to the world."
- Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees
The Settlement of Maheba
PROJECT 02 • MAHEBA
In 2023 we continued our work under the Made51 program, embarking on a new journey to a different refugee settlement in Zambia.
The Maheba Settlement was established in 1971, covering an area of 720 km2... to put that into perspective, it is the same size as Singapore. Currently home to people who have fled Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Rwanda, Burundi and Somalia.
DONATIONS & PROJECTS
How We Work With Refugees
Promotion of Refugee Designs
Refugee Support
Ongoing partnerships
Since our work with the Mantapala artisans is has finished, we have continued with another refugee settlement in zambia.
Help support today through Tribal Textiles and shop the last of our stock!
Purchases with Impact
Bringing refugee craftsmanship to the world
Since our work with the Mantapala artisans is has finished, limited stock left.
Help support today through Tribal Textiles and shop the last of our stock!
Meanwhile, we will be working on the next set of designs within The Mehaba Settlement. Keep tuned for 2025!