A call for partnership With Ethiopian Reflection To develop Recycled Glass Art in Ethiopia Providing employment and care for the environment

History
Ethiopian Reflection was formed as a PLC in 1998 with the vision to introduce a new generation of high quality souvenirs and gift items, reflecting Ethiopian images and designs. The first line of products was engraved glassware, both ordinary and crystal glass. Ethiopian artisans were trained in glass engraving by a Kenyan expert, after which the initial production began. Engraving of glass is done by hand, adding value to the craftsmanship required to reach high quality standards. Images are designed by the engravers but personalised engraving became popular as well, as clients were able to order their specific designs.
Ethiopian Reflection thus became known for its engraved glassware.

From micro to small business
With six engravers trained in 1998, the company in 2005 employs 35 workers, including administrative staff and sales men and women. There are 4 outlet shops, selling exclusively Ethiopian Reflection products, while other souvenirs shops have included Ethiopian Reflection products in their collections.

Vision for the future
Ethiopian Reflection wants to play a significant role in two issues, which seriously affect the society at large: unemployment and the environment. Studying the current trends, the Ethiopian population will double within the next 15-20 years to become 120 million. It is obvious that millions of jobs need to be created to satisfy the basic needs of individuals and families. Ethiopian Reflection wants to contribute to the creation of jobs by providing training opportunities for young people to become glass artists. After being trained, Ethiopian Reflection will rent studio and workshop facilities to the artists to produce and market their own glass art. Thus they will not need to invest in building their own facilities, which are expensive.
Secondly, Ethiopian Reflection wants to model the recycling of waste by collecting and using waste glass for production. Waste glass is found everywhere in the form of broken glass and bottles. While left as waste, it does not disintegrate, but when recycled it can be fully used to produce new and beautiful items.
Thus, Ethiopian Reflection aims to facilitate the development of glass art in Ethiopia and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Calling for partners
Ethiopian Reflection has invested and will continue to invest to make this vision become reality. It has recently acquired new land in Addis Ababa to which the company will relocate. New workshop, training and office facilities will be built.
We need support however from people and organizations, which believe in the same vision. Support is needed in four areas:

• The building and set up of the new glass workshop, including day tank, glory hole (hot glass area and cold glass area).
• The training of Ethiopian glass artists.
• The development of the training school, including curriculum.
• Financial support.

Are you interested or do you have contacts that can assist in any of the above mentioned areas? Please contact us at etreflect@ethionet.et or call us at #251-11-4662084

» Homepage: http://etreflect.com
» PDF: Download this ad as PDF

Tigist Tesfaye
General Manager Ethiopian Reflection