Neema Crafts

Founded in 2003 by the Diocese of Ruaha, Neema Crafts provides handicrafts training and much needed employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the Iringa region of Tanzania, and to change negative attitudes towards them in local society. This is a place of creativity, compassion and hope where lives are transformed every day. The centre at Neema also includes a physiotherapy unit for disabled children, an award winning cafe entirely staffed by deaf people, a welcoming guest house which is the first in the world to be run by people with disabilities, a conference room and internet cafe.

The spacious shop in the Neema Crafts Centre in Iringa town stocks all the Neema Crafts range of products. The shop is open six days a week from 9am till 6.30pm and staffed by a team of disabled workers (Daudi and Claude) ably lead by Haruna, whose smile and enthusiasm is etched in the memory of many a visitor to Neema Crafts!

Neema Crafts can also take you on a tour of their workshops to share the stories behind their products, so please try and set aside an extra 15 minutes for your visit. It will be one of the highlights of your time in Tanzania.

Combine your shopping with a visit to the café/restaurant above the shop and take the opportunity to get online at the fast and virus-free internet café or hook up your lap-top to their WiFi network in the Restaurant.

If you are bringing a big group and would like lunch, do let them know in advance and they will be happy to take your food order before you arrive to save time and to reserve seating for you in their restaurant.

The Internet Cafe also hosts a tourist information centre giving information on local tourist opportunities, especially cultural tourism.