HOPE Enterprises
The HOPE Ceramics Project, as part of the HOPE Enterprises Rehabilitative Street Children's
Project (RSCP),
will generate income for HOPE Enterprises, thus reducing dependence on foreign donors while
providing vocational training and stable employment to disadvantaged young women in Addis
Ababa.
In addition to being an important producer of artistic pottery for Ethiopia,
the HOPE Ceramics Project teaches a skill in modern ceramics using the latest techniques.
They currently produce the following unglazed earthenware items:
Chess sets, nativity sets, covered boxes, candlesticks, vases, jars, wall lamps, bowls and
table lamps.
Though these cermaics are unique and innovative in the Ethiopian context,
they are enriched by Ethiopian artistic traditions. They use many of the same techniques that
Ethiopian potters have always used, and all raw materals are locally available and
non-toxic (lead free).
Each item is a unique work of art fired to 1,100 degrees centrigrade or more in an
electric kiln to ensure hardness and durability. Some items are decorated with Ethiopian
silver.
