The idea for the SAKIBA project came up in 2009 when the founder Susanne Schaub persuaded her good friend Patrick Atta, whose family comes from Togo, to help her teach women without any professional training or prospects the sophisticated handicraft of bead crocheting. It took only a few months until the first 5 women were practicing in Lomé. Most of the women turned out to be extremely skilled and showed great enthusiasm for this beautiful craft. In the meantime, Patrick has become an indispensable part of our project through his personal commitment.
Our training does not oblige women to work with us after their apprenticeship. In fact, some of them make their own jewelry today and sell it in local shops or markets.