EcoVentures International

WEEM started about 20 years ago out of Mr. John Mshangama's house where he and his wife provided training to a small number of young women in tailoring and sewing.  They recognized that young girls who were sent to work as housegirls or had been otherwise turned out of their home had very little opportunity to gain usable skills that would allow them to provide for themselves.  As the Mshangama's took in more girls, they realized that they needed to expand their small training program into an organization.  In 2002, WEEM shifted to a site in the marketplace and started to expand into marketing and production and form itself into a more official organization and service.

WEEM currently has approximately 21 young women training and working at its production center.  There are about 21 young women that currently working and being trained by WEEM in sweater making and tailoring, as well as some marketing and production.  Most of the young women are in their 20s and were previously street children, house girls, or have recently come to Arusha from the rural areas.

By training at WEEM, young girls learn the tailoring trade and also have the opportunity to receive additional education in health issues, business, and money skills.  The organization has grown rapidly since 2002 and is currently facing the challenge of growing the institution while maintaining profits.

WEEM joined the EEDI in April 2006 and is a member of the Arusha/Moshi cluster.

Contact information:
Mr. John Mshangama
Tel: 255 744 483 908