I’m pretty sure I’ve released, at least vague, details about the workshop project. Just in case i’m mistaken, or you missed that part, here is a look at what, Lord willing (Oh Please God, be willing) is about to start happening here in Kerio Valley.
February will host the grand opening of our Women’s workshop and training center. What that means is that ten women, 7 of which are already aware of the plan and in complete (excited) agreement will be coming into the compound Monday through Friday from 8-12 where they will be trained in Jewlery design and craftsmanship. The trainer, a wonderful, talented friend of mine will be staying on with the ladies for the entire month. They will receive a small but adequate salary and a bonus for punctuality (necessary).They will be making a variety of necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, watch covers and more. The possibilities are countless in this area, even if we will start small.
These crafts will be tagged and eventually marketed to the US. We will of course start on a personal level (ladies get your purses out) and eventually begin the search for other markets such as fair trade boutiques, gift shops etc. The money that comes in from sales will then be translated into salaries for additional women, supplies, a variety of skills training etc.
By working with this set up as opposed to micro-finance, we are providing not only local employment but also training that can be used anywhere. In our area, unfortunately, the economy cannot be expected to sustain micro-finance businesses. By targeting women we assure that the needs of the family, especially of the children are met first, something that cannot be said of entrusting the men. (don’t shoot the messanger, check the research!)
There will be a small area dedicated to a nursery (hopefully with a teacher eventually) where the smaller children can be entertained without disturbing the work of the mothers. I hope to stock this area with carpets, toys, educational materials etc. Look ma, i’m starting a day care!
The work days are short because, while the women are expected to find the funding to put food on the table and pay for schooling, they are also expected to do a plethora of other, incredibly strenuous tasks. Eventually, the goal would be to either have women working in shifts, or to have the community in such full support of the project that a full day would be possible.
This project obviously is not going to be easy. Its big sighted and expensive. It depends heavily on outside funding and community cooperation. Luckily I’m pulling the trump card and calling in Christ as the overseer. I’m trying to be optimistic.
I will tell you that we have been attempting to start this for six months now, and the battle has been tough, so tough in fact that this could amount to what will be the final attempt. I am begging you to pray, to send funds, to pray, to get excited about what this could mean to a family, a village, a community an entire region of people if we are willing to trust God and to work hard.
I’m going back in on the 17th, praying that the construction on the workshop is finished. I will be finalizing plans with the 10 women, trying to furnish the workshop and the nursery, buying supplies for the jewelry making and depending on your partnership, especially that of prayer, to get us through these next couple of months.
So, that, my friends is the basic plan of what is about to happen… keep an eye out though, there is surely more to come.
