Maternal Life News - The Christmas Edition
By Jeff James
Several years ago, I met a group of tailors in a small fishing village in Kenya. At the time, they were each working independently to provide for their families by making school uniforms, dresses, and suits for the community. In a tiny town with numerous tailors, competition was stiff, and making a decent wage was elusive. Some of them couldn’t even afford to pay the school fees to send their children to school. All of the women were widows who had lost their husbands primarily to HIV.
Several years ago, inspired by the potential for a broader client base abroad, these ladies banded together to form a seamstress cooperative, creating interesting items with their colorful, distinctly African fabric prints. Due in part to the market that has sprung up from a few of us American clients, the ladies have improved their lot, now sending their children to school independently and expanding their businesses and storefronts.
This year, for our second annual Christmas fundraiser, they made us these outstanding little bags that fit in your purse, or in the glove box of your car, but when unzipped and folded out they transform into a large carry-all shopping bag. They are sturdy with long looped shoulder straps, and when your bag is unloaded, they fold back up and zip closed for the next shopping trip. They are washable, colorful, and make a fashion statement that screams, “I come from Africa!” They make a great Christmas gift for your friends and family. They’ll put a smile on your face, as you know that your gift is empowering some very needy women who have talent, but little opportunity to advance their lives.
I wanted to remind you about this rare opportunity to see firsthand the empowering work MLI is doing to support families crippled by extreme poverty, and to see Kenya as few have seen it – on foot, traversing pristine landscapes teeming with wildlife.
A few updates: Instead of May 2024, late June to early July seem to be a better time for most interested walkers. It is a 7-day walking safari, accompanied by a team of camels to carry our camping gear. That’s right, we camp, which is much more invigorating than a posh safari camp at the end of a long day. The current approximate costs are $3,000 per person for the safari, travel insurance, transportation, food and lodging before and after the safari. This does not include round-trip airfare. In addition, we will ask each walker to fundraise between $5,000 - $10,000 to support the work of MLI.
If this adventure and cause speaks to you, please fill out our online application. Deadline for sign up is February 1, 2024, and we will ask for a $1,500 deposit to secure your place on the Twende Pamoja walk.