I am thrilled to now let you know that the ladies great work has already began to reap them rewards. Not only were they paid for each item they produced at the time, but recently we were able to purchase a sewing machine with money raised from the sale of their bracelets here in Australia. This sewing machine will now be used at Suubi to train the ladies, and others from the surrounding village, in tailoring and dress making. What a fabulous outcome! By persisting and learning one new skill (hand weaving) and then putting in the work required, the ladies have now created another wonderful opportunity for themselves. Mulimu mulungi bakyala! (Great work ladies!)
Suubi Craft Ladies are excited to see a new sewing machine at the centre.
In the future, once the ladies have developed and mastered their skills on the sewing machine it is hoped that they will be able to produce school uniforms for the children at surrounding schools. Many schools from the villages around Suubi are now currently actively participating in various trainings at the centre so we envisage they will support the idea of having uniforms produced at the centre rather than traveling into Masaka town. So in the long run, one new income producing skill (the sale of the ladies bracelets) will help to create another form of income, therefore leading to a self sustaining improvement in lifestyle for all of the participating ladies and their families. Very, very exciting!
Namirembe Sarah shows the other ladies how to use the machine.
Another great day also recently took place when Makerere University students volunteered to help local youth plant shade trees at Suubi. The opportunity for these village teenagers to interact with people who are clearly striving to make a better life for themselves by attending university can not be under estimated. The importance of a positive role models in their lives and for them to hear about life beyond the village is vital for these youth. The more exposure they have to successful, motivated people like the uni students, the more likely it is that they will want to strive for a better life for themselves as well. So the time spent together tree planting was important for Suubi Centre and the environment but just as important for the interaction between the youth and the uni students.
Makerere University students help local youth to plant trees at Suubi.
It is fabulous to tell you about all the wonderful things that are continuing to happen at Suubi. It is definitely making the people in the village very happy, it makes me extremely happy every time I put up a new blog and I hope it brings a smile to your face as well!
HUGs from Helen
Comments
Post has no comments.