Shanga Finalist for Tourism for Tomorrow Award

Investing in people category Shanga by Elewana Collection, Tanzania

Shanga — Elewana Collection’s landmark social enterprise program based at Arusha Coffee Lodge in Tanzania — was named as one of three finalists for a 2019 Tourism for Tomorrow Award in the “Investing in People” category.

Announced April 5 at the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Seville, the awards celebrate the world’s most inspiring sustainable travel organizations and champion change-makers.

“From humble origins as a workshop for deaf ladies to recycle marbles into necklaces, in 12 years Shanga has grown into a social enterprise employing 34 people with disabilities,” reads the award citation.

“Recognizing the need to support this oft-forgotten part of Tanzania’s population, Elewana Collection bought Shanga in 2017. The social enterprise now has a permanent home at Elewana’s Arusha Coffee Lodge, where a workshop — set up for everything from glass-blowing to Tinga-Tinga painting — is provided as required, and a further 26 non-disabled people are employed.

“To help spread awareness, Shanga supplies other lodges with tailor-made furnishings, partners with local education institutions, and hosts free tours and activities. Over 20,000 people have visited the workshop in the last 12 months.”