The natural resources craft project is the first phase of the project and is aimed at identifying resources that could be used for craft development.
Crafters were identified from local communities surrounding the various MTPA nature reserves like Blyde River Canyon, Manyeleti, Andover and Bushbuckridge.
The crafters were trained by Art Aid and the training focused on providing them with business skills that will assist them to run their businesses successfully. Some of the modules from training included customer care, costing and pricing of products, bookkeeping, as well as marketing and leadership skills.
The objectives of the project include amongst others the following:
- Identifying talent and skills available within the identified villages;
- Sourcing and preparing raw materials for training;
- Train local crafters in the village for the development of specific products;
- Identify market opportunities for each of the developed products.
The Innibos arts festival has given crafters an opportunity to exhibit, market and sell their products at the best Arts Festival in South Africa.
