Which set do you choose? Construction update Work&Shop Creative Center & to the Netherlands!

Susanne
2 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

In a few days it will finally be time, we will fly to the Netherlands for a few weeks to visit friends and family! We are really looking forward to that! We recently saw (grand)pa and (grand)ma, because they visited us in April. We had some nice weeks together and it was special to receive them in our new home.

But we are not coming 'just for a holiday', because my missionary work continues. We have set up a new fundraising round to realize the final phases of the construction of the Work&Shop. In this blog you can read all about it: how far we are, what is still needed, and how you can support us (I am super enthusiastic about our handmade baskets myself, so read the blog until the end..!).

'A project is not just a task - it is a journey toward a mission. And we achieve that mission only through a collective effort of capital, information, manpower, and perseverance.'

Thanks to your generous donations and support, our building project has come to life. Every contribution, big or small, helps to build a place of hope and growth here in our community in Mwanza. Without you, this would not have been possible and we would never have gotten this far! Those of you who follow our building updates on our website know that we are on track with the construction activities and the roof is now on! The workers have been working incredibly hard and it has been a busy few months for Lau and I too, but it is very rewarding to see the progress.

In the video below we will show you around the building! [entrance for the craftsmen - left side shop selling work materials - large work space with storage space and men's toilet on the left side - sewing studio with storage space - ladies' toilet - office space - large shop space / showroom.]

In addition, we also have a spacious outdoor area at the rear where work can be done in the future and training (life-skill/health/business) can be provided (covered terrace).

We have now arrived at the fourth and fifth (final) phase of the construction project until the building is ready for use. Our total budget was 95,912 euros (ref.GoFundMe page ), of which we had reached 84% in December last year and we have successfully used that amount in the past months in collaboration with SMA Netherlands and the Wilde Ganzen foundation. Based on our initial budget, more than 15,000 euros is still needed, but due to price increases, underestimated quantities, exchange rate fluctuations and additional activities, we want to increase this amount to a total of 25,000 euros.

In the overview below you can see briefly and clearly what we have completed and what is still on the planning. Experience shows that it takes more time than we had thought (especially here in Tanzania haha!), so the grand opening is now planned for February 2026 (instead of December 2025). Of course, this also largely depends on when we reach our target amount.

Pre-phase: buying and registering land	Finished!	October 2024
Phase 1: Prepare land and place foundation	Finished!	February 2025
Phase 2: superstructure (walls and support poles)	Finished!	March 2025
Phase 3: roof construction, roof covering, preparation for placing the ceiling, safety grills for the windows and metal doors (80% complete)	Finished!	April 2025
*Phase 4: finishing the building: this concerns all doors, windows, electricity connection, water connection, plasterwork inside and outside, and pouring concrete floors.*	*8,500 euros*	*August to October 2025*
Phase 5: Making the workshop ready for use: this involves installing ceilings, tiling and toilets, painting inside and outside, fire-safety equipment, large processing machines and start-up capital to make furniture for the workshop (workbenches, cabinets, etc.).	*16,500 euros*	*November to January 2025*
*Opening!*		*February 2026*

For the last phase 5 you will read that we are also requesting a budget for large processing machines , because we did not receive them from the Gered Gereedschap foundation. These machines are desirable so that we can first make our own furniture for the workshop. We are trying to obtain these machines second-hand, probably from Dar es Salaam, alternatively import or donations from Europe (connections are very welcome!). Ultimately, a lot of work still needs to be done outside - such as the construction of a parking lot and the fencing of the site, so that work can also be done outside - but we will realize this further on our own with the profit we make from the income of the Work&Shop (we are of course optimistic).

And now comes the kicker: how can you help us? Read on!

Colorful fabric baskets - handmade by our Work&Shop team! Which set will you choose?

Our ladies Teddy and Ester have made beautiful, handmade baskets from colorful African fabrics. Each basket is unique and made with care. With your purchase you contribute to the realization of our big goal: completing our Work&Shop center! This allows local craftsmen to get started as soon as possible, earn their own income and work on their professional future.

The baskets are ideal as a gift, decoration or for everyday use. We have made some inspiration photos to show what you can use the baskets for.

And the fun part is that you can also turn them around! One fabric on the outside, the other on the inside. Watch the video below to see how that works! And did it get dirty? No problem, you can wash it (light spin cycle).

We sell the baskets in sets of three for a price of 20,- Euro. The set consists of a small basket, medium size, and a large basket.

Of course, 100% of the profits go to the construction project!

Here is an indication of the sizes (in cm).

(lengthxwidthxheight):

small: 15 x 12 x 14

medium: 22 x 17 x 21

large: 29 x 22 x 31

How can you buy a set?

WhatsApp me (+255747996751) to place your order, come visit me in Purmerend, we will meet at another location, or I bring it to you (I am traveling quite a bit around the country these weeks).
For our friends back in Tanzania (and elsewhere), please wait until I am back in August and we will be joining as well the next community fair in Isamilo.

If you would like to make a separate donation, there are several options: via our GoFundMe page or the Bresillac Foundation account number (details can be found at this page ).