Very few residents of Mitumba are employed or have a stable income.  Many of the men are casual laborers, and the women - when they have the opportunity - clean homes or wash clothes for the residents of the surrounding estates.

Last year's GOYA team visited a woman's home in Mitumba and she presented some jewelry and purses she made.  The group purchased about $20 worth of her items.  That seemingly small amount of money provided the woman with enough to pay for two months worth of rent and a month's worth of food for her children.

REM's ministry has been encouraging this woman - as well as others in the community who are talented in painting, beading, and weaving - to use their talents to generate an income.  Unfortunately, it's far more difficult to sell such items in Kenya than it is in the United States.  Therefore, GOYA is currently marketing these women's beautiful handmade goods in the U.S, and their involvement will continue to increase in the coming months.

Currently GOYA's partner, Alume Imports, carries several handmade items from the women in Mitumba - including purses, jewelry, sandals and more. Please check out the online store for a preview of just a few of the unique items they have to offer. During the Christmas season, handcarved ornaments and nativity sets are on sale at Christmas Creations at Eastland Mall in Bloomington. To learn more about Alume Imports and the other items the have, please contact Emily .