Sewing project

Good day!

The OVC project received 2 sewing machines. The aim is to generate income for parents and grannies to enable them to support their children in school. After many parents have been approached, only 5 parents who are also volunteers for the OVC project availed themselves to be trained in sewing.

They are in the training now since the 25th January 2011. The class is starting from 17:30 to 20:00, which is 2 and a half hours per day for 4 days a week.

Blaundina working on the new sewing machine.

Meme Taimi working on a small piece of material during the sewing session.

Embroidery (Mola), done on a piece of material for a pillow case.

At the moment, there are no funds to buy the materials and tools (scissors, needles, etc.) for the training. The trainer, Meriam donated the first materials but more materials are needed to continue with the training.

Meriam, the instructor, cutting pieces of fabrics for the learners.

We hope this project will continue to grow into a big income generating activity which will contribute to the sustainability of the OVC project.

Karee nawa (stay well),

Kakarandua

Journals

Good day

The Omapitiro Weyuva class gives a sense of belonging, school support and create an opportunity for the kids to express their thoughts through their journals.

7 Kids joined the class this year and they were creating their journals last Friday. The kids whose journals are full were also making new ones. However, the idea of a journal is not known to everyone and was never part of our culture. Story telling was almost serving this purpose instead but is also dying out. It is therefore good to adopt this new idea and teach our children to take records of things that are happening in their lives through a journal.

Some of those who are in the class for a long time shared their journals with the new comers to encourage them on the benefit of a journal. One of the two boys who were enrolled these month in school, is hesitant to take part in any activity and prefers to be an observer for the time being.

Another challenge for the project is to retain older children in the class. They do not feel comfortable to associate themselves with the Red Cross anymore. We have plans to conduct a computer class on a monthly basis at the Youth Center with the help of a Peace Corp volunteer. This computer class will start this Friday and will be only for the older children. We will see how we can keep them involved during the rest of the month.

Thanks for your support and care.

Kakarandua

School has started!

Good day

The beginning of the year was hectic for every parent in Opuwo and the Red Cross was no exception. Blaundina, the volunteer assisting the OVC project, registered and paid school fees for 24 children.

I came across 2 boys when working in the rural areas. These boys finished the highest grade at a mobile school but could not go to the secondary school due to lack of money and parental support. I enrolled them in a school in Opuwo and provided toiletries, school uniform, and school fees for them. The only outstanding problem is that they still need to be enrolled in a hostel. The boys also joined us for the Omapitiro Weyuva after-school class this past week.

The boys sitting outside of the mobile school.

The boys in front of the Red Cross, showing off their new, clean school uniforms and school bags!

Last Friday, the kids were divided into 2 groups, one for crafts and another one for soccer. Blaundina took the group for craft and the whole afternoon was spend around the table with color pencils and papers drawing to everyone's ability. "It should be perfect", one said.

Gerhard, a Red Cross staff member, prepared himself to join the soccer team just in front of the office. The rain just came on time for everyone to come back for a drink and a biscuit.

Cheers, for now

Kakarandua

Thanks to everyone

Good day

I am scared yet eager to take over this responsibility of giving update on the OVC project. Yes, working on the blog was something I heard from Ed and Folo who worked with the children for the past 3 years. I salute them for their commitment and for making the project known to everyone.

However, I am unfortunate to say good bye to everyone who contributed to this project. It started with Patric Reilly who was a co founder of this project in 2007. He left the same year. Ed did most of the work in the project. He developed the OVC and the garden project and had to leave in May last year. Folo started in 2009 and worked with care and love towards the children although she failed to work on the blog. She left last year November. Again, I now have to say goodbye to Anika who supported the project while she worked as a volunteer at the Ministry of Health. At the moment, she is helping me to familiarize myself with the new technology before she leaves.

I just want to tell you that we are missing you so much! Thanks for what you contributed in the lives of the kids. We are wishing you a bright future. For everyone who contributed with financial or material support, the children are fortunate to be able to go to school, play and learn at the kids club because of your support.

From now on I will try to update the blog every Monday. Please follow the activities of the children so that you can support where you can.

We are what we are because of your support!

Cheers till next time

Kakarandua