Pamoja Tunaweza -- Together We Can

I thought I would take the time to feature an organization that I have trained and worked with in the past.  The group is in it's second reincarnation, but many of the group members are still active.  I say second reincarnation, because they were forced to make some difficult decisions when some of the organizing members acted in a manner that raised some concerns among the primary fundraisers in Canada.  But, I'm getting a little ahead of myself.

On my first trip to Kenya, I met a couple from Canada named Phil and Maggie.  They are/were a wonderful couple committed to the betterment of the world at large.  After they left Bungoma, they attended a large conference in Nairobi where they met a group of former workers from the Ruaraka EPZ.  This group was made up primarily of former textile workers who had tried to bring a union to the workplace.  Their efforts were broken up and they were blacklisted from working in the EPZ.

The EPZ is an export processing zone in which manufacturers receive tax breaks and other incentives.  The work tends to be long hours and difficult work conditions.  The companies have provided clothing to well known American companies such as Walmart, Target, Levi's, etc.  Many would consider the conditions to be that of a sweatshop.

A year ago, I did an HIV Train-the-Trainer class for them.  They wanted to be able to provide support and information to their fellow workers and neighbors.  The training went well and they have continued to put it to use.  Unfortunately, as I said earlier, their were some concerns about the actions of some of the organizing members.  To the credit of Maggie, Phil and their Canadian friends, they remained loyal to the members that remained and were committed.  They reformed officially as Pamoja Tunaweza which means Together We Can.

The main reason for this entry is to bring attention to the working and living conditions within the EPZ.  Here is a link to a slide show that was put together as part of a labor rights workshop.  Many of the people in the photos are individuals that came to the training.  When you go to the webpage you will see the picture to start the slide show.  Below the picture, on the right, you'll see a tiny movie screen and the word "full."  Click on that and you'll be able to view it in the full screen format.  http://www.slideshare.net/davelettinga/the-lives-of-ruaraka-workers