Updates

2009 >

June 2009

Sewing Machines

This year your funding purchased an overlock sewing machine for the centre and 11 sewing machines for the students. This means that 11 people are now self-sufficient and have the opportunity to find work without further handouts. These are students of Sister Terfatu’s sewing programme who have passed their apprenticeship. Due to rising costs the average price of a sewing machine is now £125.00.

A newly built sewing room has meant that Sister can now take on more apprentices, some days as many as 12 attended.

Zewede

One of the purchased sewing machines was for Zewede. A dignified young man, in his mid 30s, with a smile a mile wide. He is married and looks after his 84-year-old mother. He has a small container that he works from mending shoes all by hand. His wife takes in ironing. Zewede also attends school in the evenings, he is currently grade 11. We went to visit Zewede’s container to deliver his machine, an Italian built Singer type sewing machine that is strong enough to mend shoes. The container was in a poor state and desperately needed some repair. 6 sheets of tin roofing would do the job. We agreed to purchase 4 and Zewede would purchase the other 2.

We felt that this very hard working couple deserved a boost hence the sewing machine and tin. It is difficult to put into words how grateful Zewede was and how much your donation will improve his life. His container will remain dry and secure and the sewing machine will allow him take on more work.

For further information on the Bahir Dar Projects and how you can help please email Angela and Mike on khyber.king@btinternet.com