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Mayamiko’ is the Chewa work for praise - accordingly we believe that the most effective way forward for communities facing economic and social hardship is not to compensate for what they lack through aid, but encourage and nurture what they already have: a wealth of creative talents and a willingness to learn. All they need is the opportunity to develop. That is what we are here for.  Mayamiko Trust is an innovative charity founded by Paola Masperi. After extensive travel throughout Africa Paola set out to make change possible by supporting local communities' creative talents and turning them in to sustainable activities and work opportunities. Mayamiko Trust offers training and educational courses for the most disadvantaged people in Malawi and other parts of Africa, teaching them a transferable and creative skill such as tailoring, bee-keeping, solar lights promotion,  and then educating them on how to utilise those skill through business and financial education workshops as well as our micro-financing scheme.
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We help each 'Mayamikan' get up and running with our training schemes and micro-finance projects which provide funding and teach basic financial and business planning skills. We then connect our trainees to fantastic ethical and sustainable fashion brands and designers. This creates links to markets where they can trade their products as high value items, according to fair trade principles.  Any money we make goes back into the communities. By helping foster local economies we help communities pull themselves out of poverty while maintaining autonomy over their lives.
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​EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH SKILLS AND FAIRER TRADE

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"We are very thankful to Mayamiko Trust for the support they have given to our women in need. They have paid tuition fee for fifteen women and provided 50% match funding for sewing machines as seed capital after training. This grant has produced a very good impact to the community. What Mayamiko does really changes women’s life in Malawi."

Elizabeth Chikoya, WITEE Director, Malawi
"I was lucky enough to visit Malawi in 2008 and what I saw stayed in my eyes and in my heart. I saw wonderful children and strong women. I saw their daily hardships. 
Mayamiko is working to improve their life and give them options for a better future: this is why I support Mayamiko wholeheartedly."

Mariagrazia Baroni, Human Rights Negotiator
 


ETHICAL FASHION

By connecting some of the most promising UK ethical fashion designers to the Mayamikans, we can spread their name and profile, helping further communities to develop. Mayamiko The Label is directly supports Mayamiko Trust trough their artisanal, fairtrade, sustainable and ethically made collections. Work by Mayamiko has been featured in The Guardian, Metro, and at Pure London, as well as Vogue and Grazia. Mayamiko is also a favourite ethical fashion brand among bloggers and influencers.  To see more, visit our Mayamikan Fashion Gallery.

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THE MAYAMIKANS

‘Mayamiko’ is the Chewa work for praise - accordingly we believe that the most effective way forward for communities facing economic and social hardship is not to compensate for what they lack through aid, but encourage and nurture what they already have: a wealth of creative artisanal talents and a willingness to learn. All they need is the opportunity to develop. That is what we are here for.
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A few Mayamikans - to see more click here
"We are very thankful to Mayamiko Trust for the support they have given to our women in need. They have paid tuition fee for now fifteen women and have also helped these women with 50% grants for sewing machines as seed capital for these women after training. This grant has produced very good impact to the community. Mayamiko Trust has also sponsored one Trainer on Level 2 of tailoring with TEVET. What Mayamiko does really changes women’s life in Malawi."
Elizabeth Chikoya, WITEE Director, Malawi

"It has been a privilege for me to be involved with Mayamiko Trust. They stand for helping people by empowering them with skills and knowledge rather then handouts which are temporary. All the people I have worked with at Mayamiko Trust have an incredible work ethic and passion towards making their iniative have an impact aswell as be sustainable for those receiving their aid. They stand out amongst other iniatives with their open mindedness and creativity which draws people in from all walks of life towards their vision. A dedicated team determent to improve the lives of those in Malawi."
Michelle Cade, Music Producer and Composer of the Mayamiko official tracks

"A great honour to work with the Mayamiko team on both Inspired & Spark events. The creative collaborations and endless hard work they continue to do is an inspiration for Prism Dynamics, with a constant resourceful attitude of effort and persistence. By far easy work, the Mayamiko team continue to impress many and push me to do my best within the Music Management, Visuals and general assistance. An honest charity that truly boosts everyone's morale and work ethic in Malawi and Europe itself."
Taryn Jiannides, Prism Dynamics, Artist 
 
 
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