On the 14th of June 2012 Ncamsile, Maria, and
Jane sold their first 50 bags to Timbali Crafts. Each of these ladies signed a contract with
us for their sewing machines, which states that they will pay R50 per month
toward the purchase of their machines.
This money goes back into the account to purchase more machines, material
and supplies, as well as upkeep of the machines.
As we were leaving, they came and gave us R50 each for their first
payment towards their machines.
On June 18th
and 19th, teams from the US that were visiting Swaziland came
through and bought many bags from the ladies.
On the 21st we paid the ladies for what they sold. We keep a percentage to buy additional
material and supplies so that we can sustain the program. We paid each lady individually in front of
the group, saying what and how much they sold.
The other ladies applauded each one as it was her turn. One of the ladies got down on her knees to
receive her payment! They were all so
happy for each other! It was a very
special moment! The next day one of the
women asked if she could go to South Africa with the lady that helps us run the
sewing project to buy more material with the money she had made. Another lady asked if they could buy formula
for her baby with the money she had made.
None of these ladies have a bank account, or make any money
on a regular basis. They live day to day
trying to put food on the table for their families. It is very difficult for them to understand
anything about a business or what it means to run one. Our hope is that if they can make a somewhat
steady income with the sewing, that we can teach and empower them to take the
business themselves one day and run it as a group or an association.
One
of the ladies showed up last week, late in the week and apologized that she had
been missing sewing classes all week.
She was covered with bruises, which she said her husband had beaten her
because he doesn’t want her being away from home every day sewing. My heart went out to this precious woman who
is already handicapped, as she only has one good eye. I cried as I prayed with her for protection
and peace. These women put up with
untold misery from men just so they can have a roof over their heads. Most of the time, the men don’t have a steady
job either. So we asked if she thought
it would be better if we let her take the machine home and sew there so her
husband wouldn’t beat her. One of the
other women in her community said that she could stop and help her if she
needed help and she could come to class once a week. This has turned out to be a good solution for
her and her husband was ok with this.
Now there are two more teams from the US, coming before the
end of the month to buy items from the ladies. Also, there is a lady who has
said she would buy R2400 worth of bags at the end of the month to send back
with someone to sell at their church.
Lastly, we have been invited to put our items at a booth at the Swazi Trade
Fair at the end of August. So, the
ladies have been sewing like crazy to stock up items for all of these potential
sales. They are very excited and there
is lots of momentum right now! We are
very pleased with their progress in such a short time!
Thanks so much to Changing Futures organization for your
kind and generous grant!
