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About Us In response to the violence in Kenya, Suluhu was created in 2008 as a way to connect people outside Kenya with people impacted by the clashes. The Peace Kanga Project serves as a way to send a positive message of hope and peace to women affected by the violence, directly or indirectly. The kanga message, Kanga nenda na umoja udumishe amani (Kanga, go with unity and help establish a lasting peace) is a message directed from people outside Kenya to a Kenyan woman, and from the Kenyan woman wearing the kanga to the reader of her kanga. Its rhythmic quality is easy for a Kiswahili speaker to remember and recite. The message reminds Kenyan women and their communities that they are not alone, that people from all over the world are with them, thinking of them and praying for peace. It also reminds the reader of the kanga that they are all connected, no matter which tribe they from. It is a statement of peace and of hope. The founders of Suluhu are Gretta Orazen and Mary Anne Ullery. Both women served as Peace Corps Volunteers in Kenya from 1995-97. Directors of Suluhu are Sara Frier, Joe Miller, Gretta Orazen and Mary Anne Ullery. All served in the Peace Corps as Secondary Education Teachers. Suluhu, Inc. There are multiple meanings of the word suluhu in Kiswahili. Depending on the useage of the word, suluhu can mean peace, compromise and agreement. It can also mean reconcile, improve, perfect and to effect an understanding. The word suluhu connotes the spirit of the organization after its name: Every project we engage in is done with an emphasis of peace and we strive to improve the lives of children and their families. | Project Progress We have completed a sketch of the design and we are working with a Kenyan cloth manufacturer so that we may create a product that is 100% Kenyan. The cotton is Kenyan grown, converted to yarn and woven, printed, finished and packed in Kenya thus contributing in a small way to the Kenyan economy. They have experience in working with organizations such as Salvation Army to create custom kangas; We are blessed to have found this manufacturing plant in operation and are honored they have agreed to work with us to create this product. In the meantime we are seeking gifts so that we may begin manufacturing the product in Kenya in July 2008. This process of creating a "screen" and submitting an initial order costs roughly $8,500 including shipping costs. Our plan is to immediately donate a large portion of the first order so that the kanga can get in the hands of Kenyan women by August 2008. Another portion will be offered for sale through our website so that we may continue to raise funds to print and distribute the Peace Kanga. Please check back with our site as we update our progress! This page was last modified on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 03:09:57 PM | Suluhu, Inc. We are a non-profit corporation registered in the State of Florida. We are a 501c3 public charity and all donations are tax deductible. |
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