Adventures in Africa: "Tsamina mina zangalewa This Time for Africa!"

7/23

Last day of class with the ladies! I can’t believe that it’s already finished! As the women finished their shirts, we gave them some other jewelry making projects to do which they loved. For lunch, we had a local restaurant cater in some delicious African food: poshu, rice, beans, avocado, and greens. It was so good. The African appetite is insane. They literally pile their plate up with food and devour. Peter said I was being rude since I didn’t take much and left a “disgraceful” amount on my plate. After, we had a small ceremony in which we presented the women with certificates of completion and accomplishment as well as “Sewing Hope” necklaces. They really loved them. We went through some basic business skills with them especially in regards to how to make a profit. We regularly see these women charging only the amount that they think a person can pay. We taught them how to take pride in their work and not judge one’s income based on the color of their skin or what they look like. The understood and were interested in hearing how much they could charge for a quality garment like the one they made in class. They said such beautiful words of thanks to us and told us that we have changed their lives immensely in finance and knowledge. I am so honored to have been a part of that. We also had a small “fashion” show in the back. Tara brought in the garments that were shown at the fundraising fashion event in NYC this year. She bought fabric here and designers design garments for the show. Everyone hammed it up and we all had such a good time!