About Us
The Story of Aina Moja
In 1997, Aina Moja, a small business venture aimed at assisting artists in the country of Kenya, Africa was established by Beverly Gilbert Stone. Beverly and her son Luke Stone’s interest in Kenya stems from her time spent teaching there as a volunteer for the Teachers for Africa Program.
While teaching, she saw a great need for social, economic and educational opportunities for the people of Kenya. She felt that one way to advance the standard of living for people there was to sell their products abroad.
Artists whose products are sold through Aina Moja receive fair market value for their goods. This enhances the awareness of their goods and products, increases their sales, and advances their standard of living.
In 1999, Beverly founded Expanding Opportunities as a non-profit organization with the greater mission of assisting all underprivileged people beginning in the country of Kenya, Africa.
In January of 2000, Aina Moja became a project of Expanding Opportunities. The profit that is earned from Aina Moja sales goes to Expanding Opportunities. The money is used within the different programs of Expanding Opportunities, with a current focus on the Street Children Fund, Distance Learning Centers, and the STEMS project.
Aina Moja is a member of Fair Trade Gifts and the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce.
Come visit our retail shop located in beautiful, downtown Belfast, Maine at 39 Main Street 1B. We are right on the coast of Penobscot Bay.