Ubunto Project

The concept of Ubuntu holds profound significance in Africa. Impossible to fully translate, it embodies the idea of "I am because we are," signifying an awareness of the deep connections between individuals and their community. In an increasingly atomized and isolated world, the UBUNTU PROJECT aims to bring collaboration, solidarity, and our shared humanity to the forefront of product design and manufacture. In Kenya's Kibera slum, we seek to forge new paths where tradition and innovation coexist, fostering long-term commitments with local artisans and their families. Through training, sustainable income-generating activities, and building bridges with the international art and design worlds, we strive to create lasting positive impact.

MY JOURNEY IN KIBERA

It all started with a necessity, a need to do something with my work. The system of creating, producing, and delivering to clients was driving me a bit crazy; it was not enough. When you’re a creative, like an artist or designer, people tend to put you on a pedestal, but for me, it was more about what I am doing with my work and what I want from it. In the end, I'm not a doctor, I don’t produce food or any basic necessities for survival, but I could make a difference.

September 2023—don’t know the exact day, but somewhere near the end of the month—I met one of the founders of a school in Kibera, where I was doing some online teaching from Lisbon with a small class of kids. I had just ended the online art class program a few weeks before and I remember telling him, "I want to go to Nairobi to teach them in person. The experience was amazing online, but it’s not the same; I feel a bit like my hands are tied.” In that hour and a half, I spent more time looking at the screen, watching the kids try to make a sculpture and feeling that it would be way more productive if I were there adapting the program to their needs.I need to say that money was a problem. Going to Nairobi in a month was a crazy idea since I had less than 1,000 euros in my bank account, but why not? The reality was, I had a studio full of things, even at home—pieces that had just accumulated, either due to personal attachment or because they ended up on a wall in the studio. Money on the walls, I thought. I sold almost all of them to sponsor this trip, and thanks to my loyal clients, it was possible.

October 17, 2023, at 21:00, I landed at Jomo Kenyatta Airport. The next morning, I went to see the school and meet the kids and some of the teachers. Honestly, all the plans I had developed for teaching went straight to the bin. Simple things that we take for granted and sometimes overlook for cost—in the slum, it’s the difference between buying food or buying a pencil. So the option is, you work with what you have. That was an amazing experience, and at the same time, you need to reinvent yourself every single day. I remembered a simple idea I used when I was a kid—creating stamps with potatoes. It was fun, but we’re talking about kids who sometimes only have tea for breakfast, so reality needs to be adapted. Instead of potatoes, I made a deal with the mechanic next door, and he gave me some old tires, which we carved into stamps.Every day was a journey. I could write a hundred stories about what happened with the kids, and it still wouldn’t be enough to describe what they gave me back.

For the first time, I felt I could make a difference with my work. I had the pleasure of meeting some of their parents, many of whom were craftsmen, from tailoring to jewelry making, with incredible capabilities and a hunger to learn and work. That same hunger led me to meet Frederick, a guy a bit older than me with three kids: the oldest is studying to be a nurse, and the other two are still in primary school. The first time I met him, he came to the school to talk with me because I needed someone to develop some pieces for a client of mine. I had explained what I needed, and he came with a mockup of the piece. Imagine a car; he came with a bicycle, with one wheel. But it was never about that piece—it was his attitude and effort. I never asked for a mockup, but he wanted to show me he could do it. It was the attitude itself.

I explained better, made some sketches with the proper measurements, and gave him the original piece I had brought with me. Four days later, I went to his workshop, and there they were—one hundred and fifty knives, exactly as I showed him, being produced by him and his colleague, Kenedy. At that point, I knew I was in the right place. I was already halfway through my adventure in Nairobi when this idea started to take shape. I realized I could do more than I thought with my work. By creating a bridge between my clients and them, I could generate a safe income for them through their work.

They would be able to support their families, and maybe, in the future, even create work positions and perhaps even a place where they could teach younger generations and keep the tradition alive.Of course, this is not something that will happen in one year, but my commitment to it is strong, and I believe that with time—maybe in 10 or 20 years—it can happen.

OUR MISSON

  • UBUNTO focuses on high-quality, handcrafted products that embody the skill and artistry of Kibera’s artisans. Partnering with us allows your brand to feature exclusive, meticulously crafted items that stand out in the industry.

  • Collaborations with UBUNTO support artisans through fair compensation and resources, helping to uplift their livelihoods and preserve traditional skills. By partnering with us, you contribute to the economic growth and well-being of the artisan community.

  • Our previous collaboration with Totem, a distinguished American homeware brand, is a testament to how we blend artisanal craftsmanship with contemporary design. This partnership resulted in unique, high-quality brass knives and candle holders, demonstrating the potential for creating standout products together.

  • Enhance Your Brand’s ReputationEthical Alignment: Partnering with UBUNTO aligns your brand with values of social responsibility and community support. This association enhances your brand’s image by showcasing your commitment to supporting talented artisans and fostering sustainable development.

  • Collaborating with UBUNTO is a chance to contribute to a shared mission of positive impact. Each partnership is designed to create mutual benefits, amplifying our mission while providing value and innovation to your brand

Partnering with UBUNTO offers a meaningful opportunity to engage in collaborations that highlight exceptional craftsmanship and support artisan communities. Building on successful initiatives like our work with Totem, we invite you to join us in creating high-quality products that resonate with discerning consumers and drive mutual growth