A WOMAN who has spent the last seven years living in Africa is offering others an insight into the culture through workshops.

Rosalind Johansson, from Colwall, will give a taste of the African way of life by teaching Swahili, fabric printing methods and traditional dress.

Ms Johansson worked in a Tanzanian school as a special needs teacher before launching a textile business, Swahili Textiles.

She employs four local women to print fabrics and make garments to sell in tourist shops as a way of supporting themselves and their family.

The workshops begin with a presentation on African life, followed by an introduction to the traditional dress, the khanga, two pieces of material worn tied around the body.

The garments have been worn since the 1800s and are often given as gifts, some printed with messages like 'Bad people can't hide' or 'I'll never stop loving you'.

"Manners are extremely important in east Africa. People can't always say things they want to say to people so it's a way of saying those things," Ms Johansson said.

People will then have a chance to print their own khangas, before learning a traditional Swahili song. The workshops will finish with the participants performing the song dressed in the khangas they have made.

Ms Johansson said she hoped the workshops would promote understanding of other cultures: "It's a case of understanding. If people understand how others live, it helps prevent racism and promotes international relations."

Ms Johansson first visited Africa during the 1980s as a charity volunteer and fell in love with the country. After her children had grown up, she decided to move there.

Alongside workshops, she plans to import textiles from her workshop to sell in this country. To book Ms Johansson, call 01684 540413.