Tea & Talk : Voyage sensoriel et bien-être d'Afrique
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Alliance française de Philadelphie - 1420 Walnut St #700, Philadelphia
Join us for an immersive workshop that brings together the knowledge of African women with today's needs and expectations !
In a modern world searching for meaning, where the needs for well-being, reconnection, and a return
to nature are
becoming essential, there is a genuine return to our roots. Traditional African medicines, passed down by women, have for
generations transmitted natural solutions for self-care, with simplicity and effectiveness. This knowledge, still little known in the US,
deserves to be shared and passed on.
In this workshop, you will :
Discover the medicinal plants from Africa and their therapeutic uses:
Vetiver – relaxation, calming
Hibiscus – antioxidant, vitality
Ginger – tonic, digestion
Baobab – immunity, energy
Seh-haw and African roots – detox, balance
Understand their role in the traditional medicines of Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso and the transmission of this knowledge
from woman to woman, from generation to generation.
Being Guided through a tasting of a series of hot and cold infusions. A 100% African sensory immersion with African
rugs and mats, traditional incense, a tasting inspired by African flavors to accompany the herbal infusions and Kora music to create a
soft, authentic atmosphere.
Hear the life stories of women from the villages and learn about the Social impact of the
Women’s Project with
whom Kany collaborates around plant cultivation, natural herbal infusions, and the development of their small businesses.
Reflect on the transmission of knowledge, intergenerational connections, and intercultural dialogue.
The workshop will be led by :
Kany (she/her) is the founder of MamaWrap – Organic Infusion, a brand that promotes
medicinal and therapeutic plants from Mali and Senegal, cultivated and harvested by hand by women's cooperatives. These plants carry
stories of intergenerational transmission, ancestral know-how, and a commitment to the empowerment of rural women.
Kany says “MamaWrap was born from a personal story shaped by transmission, travel, and meaningful encounters
.It all began when I had my first child.
My mother, of Malian origin, passed on to me simple but powerful practices: babywearing,
the use of shea butter, beneficial herbal teas, and natural rituals.
Seeing the effects on myself and my baby, I thought : All
women should know these practices, these plants, and their benefits.
This discovery blended with the memories of the herbal infusions my grandmother used to tell me about, and with my very French love of verbena.
During breastfeeding, I rediscovered its benefits: soothing,
balancing, perfect after a stressful day.
I wanted to share this and create a bridge
between African traditions and my own roots.”
Before MamaWrap, Kany worked as a development project manager for a French NGO in Chad, Burkina Faso, and
Senegal.
Alongside these incredible women, she learned the importance of transmission and autonomy. It was with them that she began
cultivating certain plants, including verbena, while supporting their local small businesses. She sources 100% of
natural herbal infusions directly from these women,
to actively contribute to their economic empowerment. The idea of importing these plants to the United States
became obvious when she worked at the Alliance Francaise de Philadelphia as a social media manager and realised how
difficult it was to find them here.
That was the turning point: offering these natural treasures to women here, while continuing to support the women she works with there.
*** WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ***
Day: Friday, January 16th, 2025 Time: 6:00pm Duration: 2 hours Location: Alliance Française de Philadelphie, Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19102 Language: French, English Fee:AF member $20, Non member $25