Rhododendron Needlers Quilt Guild

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Help us to support the global community!

7,180 miles... that's the distance between Boston, Massachusetts and Nairobi, Kenya. More importantly, it is the distance one RNQG member
is willing to go to help women in need.

We hope her story inspires you to reach out and donate to this worthy cause.

 

Urembo Basket Project, Nairobi, Kenya

"Outside  Nairobi  Kenya  is  the  largest  slum  in East Africa.  With no
electricity  or  running  water,    Kibera  is  home  to  millions  of  people,
many  of  whom  are  jobless  and  HIV  positive.   It  was  in  Kibera  in
March of 2009 that I met  a group  of HIV positive women who wanted to      
form  a  cooperative  but  lacked  a  specific  direction. I talked to them
about beginning a project where they would make unique baskets out of
African fabric and market them not only to the tourists in Kenya but also
here in the United States.

"In August, 2009, I returned to Kenya with two fellow quilters to teach the
women  a  technique  of  covering clothesline with African fabric, shaping
baskets  and  adding  embellishments.  Twenty-two women  learned how
to make baskets.   Now they are searching for a location where they can
continue their work. 

"African fabric  is very inexpensive  as is the clothesline in Kenya ... it is
everything  else  that  we  need  to  send.  Below is a needs list – almost
everything  has  to be bought  for  the  ladies,  especially  thread  during
their learning curve.

"I thank everyone in advance for your interest, generosity and best wishes."

Sarah Brewin

PROJECT NEEDS:

  • 2 large cutting mats – at least 36 x 24
  • Thread - cone spools of good weight
  • 45 mm rotary cutters and replacement blades
  • Monetary donations
The Kenyan women involved with this cooperative range in age from 20 - 40. The income they derive from the sale of the baskets they make will help them afford the basic necessities -- food, school fees and clothing -- for their families.

While in Kenya, Sarah took many pictures which she will incorporate into a power point presentation. The slide show and lecture can be scheduled by quilt groups or other organizations who wish to learn more about the project as early as fall 2009. With hard work, the baskets will be available for purchase in April, 2010.

For more information on how to donate or to schedule a presentation, you may contact Sarah Brewin , American Friends of Kenya, VP of Medical Affairs at globaloutreach@rnqg.org.