“We could never have had this kind of impact”: Leveraging Local Expertise in CCW Multiplication

When looking back over this past winter, it’s not hard to see how the math adds up.  In 2019, Loom had begun conversations with leaders in Uganda who wanted to co-host a Celebrating Children Workshop (CCW) in 2020. As we talked further about a CCW Uganda, everyone agreed that 70 participants was the maximum number…

Staff Picks of 2020

This month we asked each staff member to submit one book, article, or podcast that has been especially meaningful to them in 2020. Here is what they said:    Anna: “I love this podcast, it is a go-to for me.”   Eva: “Normally I read a lot of variety of books, but this year it has…

Beauty Takes Time

Recently one of our staff has been sharing photos with us of traditional African textiles. While Africa is now known for its bright, exquisite wax-printed fabrics, for many centuries the intricate art of weaving on hand looms has also been a large part of their textile heritage. As we read through descriptions of the laborious…

12 Gifts of 2020

This December, we are reflecting on all the gifts that this most unusual year as held. We have seen this year simultaneously challenge, stretch, discourage, and inspire innovation and creativity, both for us here at Loom and social innovators across East Africa. Today we invite you to celebrate twelve of the many gifts of 2020…

“Moving from Unknowns to “Aha!” – Highlights from Six Months of Small Business

As the six-month incubation period of Vuka small businesses comes to a close, we asked both Loom coaches and business owners what their highlights from this new initiative were.    “Moving from an unknown stage to a ‘Aha!’ That is my experience with coaching my clients. I grew in my ability to be an active…

Here

  Here Your feet walk. As the sun rises, your toes feel the red dirt still cold with early dew As your mother watches your silhouette shimmer and glimmer and disappear.   Girls like you who’ve had to stay home, Girls like you who’ve dared to believe,  Know it’s your place to weave the future. …

The Future Is Now

As Loom looks forward to the new decade ahead, we’ve gathered online with social innovators across Africa to discuss their vision for their communities. While we discussed the immense challenges they face in areas of education, job creation and healthcare, one theme that kept emerging was that of generations. “This is about the youth, the…

Feast Around the World

Feast Around the World

Enjoy a global culinary feast with us! As we continue celebrating Loom’s ten year anniversary, we want to honor the many different cultures and nations we come from to make Loom what it is today. From Thailand to Cameroon, each Loomer has submitted their favorite recipe for this virtual dinner party from around the world.…