Meet Joyce, the woman behind the products

Before Amani, Joyce Kajuju was struggling to make it in bustling Nairobi, Kenya as a tailor, and was unable to support her children. But then she found Amani. "When I came, I fell in love with the place because my heart is here," she said about the day she came to interview at Amani. Her first Amani product was a coffee gift bag. “Then from there I went to on make different products." Joyce learned quickly and was soon working on design and quality control. Today, Joyce is the lead seamstress at Amani Kenya and does training on all new products. The ladies all call her "Teacher"!

"When I am working, I ask myself how I can better the quality of the product, the way they’re designed. How can I help these ladies to move from one step to another to make a good product?"

Joyce’s role at Amani goes much deeper than beautiful products. Her favorite part of Amani isn’t necessarily the work. “Chatting with the ladies, listening to their problems, praying with them. I like that. And also, reading with them the word of God,” exclaimed Joyce. 

Joyce doesn't mind having a little fun at work...here she is wearing a Christmas tree skirt as a poncho!

Joyce takes her leadership role very seriously. She feels a deep connection between her job and her faith. “I pray to God...everyday, to give back wisdom; to extend the boundaries of Amani because it is really a good place where somebody can come to love peace. When you have problems you can be comforted...where you can get love."

Joyce working with Ali, Amani ya Juu Creative Director

We are deeply thankful for your support. Through your purchases, donations, and prayers, women like Joyce are equipped and able to reach into the lives of others.   Want to check out some of the products produced by Joyce? Visit our website, amaniafrica.org, to shop!