All the members of Agape who produce the Kisany collection follow a lifelong education program “L’Ecole des Femmes”. This program aims to help each tailor or embroiderer to improve his skills and to overcome the lack of education.

In May our management team went to Goma and Kigali to perfect the next collections to come.

In Goma, the team supported AGAPE’s embroiderers and tailors in the accomplishment of a large order for the Kivu International School. The school that will open its doors next September, trusted AGAPE to produce more than 2000 pieces such as uniforms and schoolbags. This was a great experience for the local non-profit organisation. Hopefully, they can count on Théodore’s expertise in this mission ; Théodore has been tailoring for KISANY since the beginning of the adventure. He is also a trainer at the Ecole de Femmes for all those who want to learn about sewing.

Emma, one of the elder and most talented embroiderers decided to visit the team. By doing so she could share her experience with the novices. Amongst them, there was Aline. Aline’s husband, Djo, has been killed last February. This tragic event left Aline and their 2 young children without any ressources. This is why AGAPE’s embroiderers decided to host and train the young widow.

In Kigali, the final touch was put on the patterns that will appear on the new collections of bed linen, table linen and cushions. The embroiderers also worked on samples for a future collaboration with renowned artists. More to come, stay tuned !

Sisley and Kisany create the colourful pouch Twist.

To celebrate the arrival of its new Phyto-Blush Twist, Sisley has introduced an exclusive, limited-edition linen pouch, made in Congo by Kisany’s team of embroiderers. The pouch is embroidered in bright colours, reminiscent of the vibrance and joy of African culture.

“Here in Europe, the pouch adds a spirited freshness to our wardrobe. In Congo, the pouch brightened the lives of the African women who worked to make it.”

Sisley’s founder, Isabelle d’Ornano has driven this project, providing 535 days of work to the embroiderers and tailors in Congo who hand made the 535 pouches. In addition to supporting the women of Kisany through work, the Fondation Sisley d’Ornano sponsored the schooling of 100 Congolese children from September 2016 and has just announced they will do the same again in 2017. The team at Kisany are delighted and thankful.

To pick up your own gorgeous Twist pouch, visit Planet Parfums in Belgium or Luxembourg, from 15 May to 4 June.

Goma’s embroiderers empower themself and create their own non-profit association.

Kisany’s highly successful Ecole des Femmes began in 2015 with support and funding from the Fondation Sisley d’Ornano. Training courses have included Intro to Computers, Intro to the Internet, Leadership and Setting and Acheiving Goals. The training programme evolved further in 2016 backed by the Fundación Juan Entrecanales de Azcárate of Madrid and a Belgian supporter.

In these 2 years, the training has changed the face of Kisany, awakening and strengthening talents in many team members, and building strong management ability in our leaders. The training has highlighted how able, goal-oriented and self-sufficient the team in Goma has become in recent years.

It is clear to all that the time has come to increase empowerment, to broaden ownership within the team and to create a non-profit association under Congolese law.

After several months working through administrative procedures and the financial structure for this new non-profit association, everyone celebrated when AGAPE was officially established last October, with plans for a full roll-out in 2017.

The first local line of products has been developed and AGAPE is currently showcased in three Goma businesses:

– Hotel Lake Kivu Lodge, 162 Alindi Avenue, Quartier Katindo.
– Restaurant Le Chalet, 164 Avenue Maniema, Quartier Katindo
– Retaurant Nyumbani, 1 Boulevard Kanya Mulanga

We are excited about the future of this endeavor and especially pleased that L’Ecole des Femmes will continue, thanks to another generous donation from Fondation Entrecanales. We look forward to discovering and developing more skills amongst existing and new team members.

The continued support of our European clients is needed and appreciated more than ever. KISANY patrons can expect the same level of beauty, quality and consistency in our future products. The AGAPE team will continue to provide stunning embroidered linens for our European line, whilst growing their local relationships in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Contact Details:

AGAPE
Contact person : Joseph Muhima
Adress : Avenue Walikale 11, Quartier des Volcans, Goma
Phone Number : +243 970068880, +243 819053009
Mail : agapegoma@gmail.com