Amandawe Sewing Groups
One of UVHAA long term objectives is to empower local community groups to develop ways of generating their own income, thereby increasing self-esteem and reducing reliance on handouts. One of the challenges with this work is that there are so few people in the local communities who have any money at all. Many people suffer severe food shortages, and most of the population who do have an income receive only a small state pension or grant. Also, it is simply not possible or profitable for community members to pay for taxis to the nearest town up to 70kilometers away in order to sell their goods. However, even a very small income from the sale of the Sewing Groups can make a big difference to their ability to support their families, and the programme also benefits local women by increasing their skills base.
In this way the Association will be developing self-reliance and increasing community based responses to Poverty.
Supported through UVHAA. these sewing groups developed as a result of skill sharing and keen interest from Maureen Whitfield and Ruth Seipp - both keen quilters, as well as donated fabrics from Glenda Kirkirdis of Amafu fabric. In South Africa, a great deal of time can be spent waiting for things to happen - taxi's to come, appointments to be kept.. Ruth & Maureen's idea. in collabaration with the group, was that sewing was something that could be done whilst waiting - and carried easily, but which could create an income.
The embroideries created by the Amandawe Sewing Group are sold locally in South Africa, as well as in America where they are made into bags and sold through a support group there. For details on this please have a look at www.thebagofhope.com.
In the UK these are framed and sold as pictures through the Energy Medicine Foundation. For details on this, please visit our products pages. Amandawe Needlework products
or contact Fiona Adams on fionajoy@energymedicinefoundation.co.uk
Amandawe Sewing Group