Rug-Aid cic

Rug Aid is training visually impaired people of The Gambia to make rag rugs which they can then sell to both locals and tourists. making is a perfect craft for these students as they are made from recycled fabrics, meaning that the are cost free for members to make. Rug Aid provides hessian, and the fabrics are sourced locally - mainly off cuts from tailors. Another beauty of rug making for visual

ly impaired people is that it is a tactile craft, making it perfect for those who cannot rely on their sight to be creative and to generate an income. Rug aid provides the skills needed to make beautiful rag rugs which which they can then sell, helping reduce begging amongst these people, who find it extremely difficult to be accepted in society and therefore to be educated and find jobs. Since 2007 Rug Aid gas trained more than 150 visually impaired people and has secured a workshop meaning there is a place for member to meet, make rugs and integrate with others. We are very proud that our workshop has provided all these benefits, particularly that it has reduced social isolation for its members. Bringing an income into the family means that these people have a higher status in their families and has brought them dignity and self confidence which they had never experienced before joining our project. People draw on the stories of their lives - as well as the colours, patterns and textures of their environment, to produce beautiful and very saleable works of art which will bring pleasure to both the creator and the purchaser. Disability is not inability!