Today: An inch wide and a mile deep.

Thanks to the lovely people (and they really are lovely) at Whole Foods Market River Street, I had the chance to connect with an incredible organization a couple of months ago (time flies, my friends).  Whole Foods hosted Zane Wilemon and Jeremiah Kuria of CTC International, giving them a platform to share their story with bloggers and social media enthusiasts (who, I am sure, also happen to be Whole Foods ethusiasts and are now firmly CTC enthusiasts).  While we did learn about CTC International’s products, which are available in Whole Foods stores, the real narrative shared was about relationships.  Connectivity.  Community development.

We heard from both Zane and Jeremiah, whose friendship is the foundation on which the organization was built, about the work CTC International does in Kenya, and its impact on education, the environment, the economy, heath, and community.  With projects in each of those five distinct–but clearly interrelated–areas, CTC International takes a holistic approach to community development.  These projects are providing innovative solutions to global issues like HIV/AIDS, deforestation, unemployment, while promoting fundamental human rights and fostering sustainable change.

I had purchased a few L.I.F.E. Line (livelihood, invest, future, empower) products at Whole Foods for stocking stuffers, but after hearing about the women who make the L.I.F.E. jackets and change purses and other items, I loved them even more.  CTC International currently employs 40 women (meet the Malaika mums and read more about the L.I.F.E. Line project here), whose children have special needs and attend a CTC school in Kenya.  Through this project, these remarkable women earn an income, support their children’s education, and create really great looking, sustainable, eco-friendly products.  The organization also employs over 40 Maasi women who create traditional beaded leather bracelets (like the one that joined my arm party above).

So much that was shared resonated with me, especially Zane’s observation that their approach is “an inch wide and a mile deep,” as opposed to the opposite (a mile wide and an inch deep), how many Western organizations approach foreign aid.  I know that “throwing money at the problem,” even with the best intentions, does not equate to longterm, viable, appropriate solutions.  Having struggled with this, and the pressure for organizations to get big (and fast), in my own work, it was so affirming to hear how much real, sustainable good has grown from a single friendship, when allowed to grow and deepen and develop.  That depth and sharing of ideas is so important.

What an inspiring evening.  CTC products are all very reasonably priced and make fun gifts.  Check them out at your local Whole Foods, or swing by their online store.

Also On Tap for Today:

• Life advice… from a bunch of sloths
• Yoga with my dog (that’s what yoga at home always turns into)
• Gorgeous floral inspiration

Find anything unexpected at the market lately?