Achieving a level of sustainable income for widows and their families is no small task. In the past, the community undertook subsistence farming and sold crafts, but that is far from sufficient to meet even the basic needs of this vulnerable community. In reality what is needed is an industrial-scale project to produce goods that can be sold in the market at a scale that would sustain the community. They need more training and equipment to take the business to this level.
A significant proportion of Rwandese clothing is locally produced apparel, so there is a ready market. But the widows working at New Destiny need further investment to acheive their dream.
Initial investments in this project during 2008 enabled us to launch New Destiny. Here are some of the main highlights:
- Steven has acquired a building to house the project.
- We have purchased 20 sewing machines, an overlocker, and a finishing machine.
- We have also purchased start up materials (cloth, thread, scissors)
- Finally, the women have had three months training in tailoring skills (pattern design, cutting, sewing techniques) from a professional tailor.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We would like to double the capacity of this facility. That will mean:
- Purchasing 20 more sewing machines at $250 (£190) each.
- Provision of another 6 months training at $3000 (£2000).
- Purchasing a multi-purpose machine for $1,600 (£1000) and an embroidery machine at $350 (£225).
Once this project is fully operational these widows and their children will be substantially self-sustaining - the increase in income will enable them to increase their farming, provide a small income for each to buy soap and salt, etc. and has the potential to cover medical treatment and school fees.
If you would like to contribute in the UK, please go to our homepage and use the donate button. For U.S. donors, please send checks to: Go the Second Mile, 14800 First Avenue NE, Shoreline WA 98155 (www.go2ndmile.org) and designate your donation for "Friends of Steven: tailoring project." (10% of donations are used for administrative costs like collecting, depositing, and disbursing funds.)
