Social enterprise helps marginalised communities earn by turning rags into eco-friendly rugs

Najet works in the southwestern Tunisian oasis of Nefta, at a workshop run by Shanti, a social enterprise that helps artisans from across the North African country. Photos: AFP

Francoise Kadri Najet unravels an old pair of jeans, raw material for a designer carpet: traditional, eco-friendly crafts are being adapted for new markets thanks to a project born in the Tunisian desert.

"I learned to weave at a young age, from my mother," said the 52-year-old from the oasis town of Nefta, 500km south of Tunis.