By David Mayor
Tasty German sausages and warming mulled-wine may be what most associate with Manchester Christmas markets, but who would think of hand-crafted fair-trade jewellery from Africa?
One of the stalls at the site on New Cathedral Street does, however, sell exactly that along with other items made by local producers in Kenya.
Kathleen Scanlan, who has volunteered for Zuri Design since their formation, described the work they do.
“We work with these projects and help them develop their skills and businesses and many of them will sell similar things on the street markets of Nairobi,” Kathleen said.
“These skills will hopefully allow them to make a living.”
Kathleen also explained that as an organisation that focuses strongly on ethics, many of the products are made from recycled materials.
And having had stalls at previous Manchester Christmas Markets, Kathleen said they expect to be very busy with keen shoppers snapping up the items, such as jewellery, homeware and handbags available.
The organisation, which was set up in 2004, operates with an ethos that trade of African products in the UK directly benefits those who have made them.
More information about all aspects of Zuri Design can be found at their website http://www.zuridesign.com/index.asp
