Tucked away in the lush gardens of Arusha Coffee Lodge, there’s a place where creativity, sustainability, and community come together in the most beautiful way. It’s called Shanga, and it’s not just a workshop—it’s a story of second chances.
Here, discarded materials find new purpose, and people who are often overlooked in society are given meaningful work, empowerment, and a place to shine. Shanga is a thriving social enterprise employing over 60 artisans who craft everything from stunning glassware and intricate jewellery to woven textiles and hand-painted home decor. Every piece tells a story—of skill, resilience, and the power of giving something (or someone) a second chance.
A visit to Shanga is a sensory experience. The hum of sewing machines, the rhythmic tapping of beadwork, the mesmerizing dance of molten glass being blown into delicate shapes—it’s a place where discarded materials are reborn as art.
Old wine bottles become elegant drinking glasses, scraps of fabric turn into colourful cushions, and metal offcuts are shaped into jewellery that feels as good to wear as the story behind it. Nothing goes to waste here. And beyond the sustainability, there’s something even more powerful happening ….. lives are being changed.
In Tanzania, people with disabilities often face significant challenges, from stigma to lack of employment opportunities. But at Shanga, ability—not disability—takes centre stage. It is changing perceptions, one handcrafted piece at a time. Artisans are trained in new skills, given steady incomes, and, most importantly, shown that they are valued.
For visitors, it’s an eye-opening and heartwarming experience. You can watch the artisans at work, try your hand at glassblowing or bead-making, and walk away with a piece that carries not just beauty, but meaning.
Shanga’s motto is simple: Be Kind & Recycle. But behind those four words is a movement—one that champions both people and the planet.
So if you ever find yourself in Arusha, don’t miss the chance to visit. And if you’re not heading to Tanzania anytime soon, you can still support Shanga by spreading the word, shopping their handmade products online, or simply embracing their ethos in your own life.
Because sometimes, all something—or someone—needs is a second chance.
