On Tuesday, 1 April Wandi and I popped into the Chiawelo Community Centre to collect the first batch of blankets stitched together by this group of ladies as part of the KAS community upliftment programme whereby the gogos are given R10 for each blanket they stitch together. The gogos are doing a wonderful job of stitching the blankets together and they also crochet around the outside of each blanket to give it more support.
The KASvan full of blankets – a beautiful sight!
Unfortunately because of some internal politics, the group looks like they are going to split up. KAS did let the gogos know that we would be happy to continue providing them with blankets to sew together once they had resolved their issues and I am pleased to report that it all appears to be sorted out and we are delivering blanket packs for stitching to two groups in that area now.
After our brief visit, we headed to Kido’s Educare, a crèche in Protea South in Soweto, for a distribution. This centre is managed by a lady called Julia, who does a remarkable job under the circumstances.
Arriving at the Kido’s Educare Centre in Protea South.
Inside the crèche – Julia is photographed with me in the photo on the right.
The whole Protea South area is a real mess. It is gradually being reclaimed by the municipality as people are re-located. A very dismal place to live as you can see from the photos below.
In and around Protea South…
The children also appeared very sad as you can see that from their faces. LOTS of tears and unhappiness around although Julia, I think, does a good job and has made a big effort. Unfortunately I forgot to take soft toys with me that day, but luckily Wandi was able to get toys to the children a week later – hopefully that cheered them up some!!!
Some of the sadder faces….
We did get a few smiles though.
We have been very busy sewing together blankets, sorting mail and distributing all your wonderful contributions and we will be picking up the pace ahead of winter so that we are able to help many orphaned and vulnerable children, just like the little girl photographed below.
Replies
Hello Rhonda,
Wow what a wonderful program you have here, I too love to crochet and I am now making squares for you and hopefully I will make the 35 and sew them together so less you and your ladies will have to do. It is so amazing to see that God is working in our lives every day. Looking forward hearing from you. Have a blessed day. Aloha from Florida originally from Hawaii. God Bless you.
Mar from Florida
Hi Marlene, it is very kind of you to offer to sew the squares together, but it helps the Gogos to have the dignity of stitching the blankets and provides them with an opportunity to help their own community. We also pay the Gogos a tiny stipend sum for stitching the blankets, and, though not very much it does allow them to by some little extras - sometimes the groups pool their money for a special occasion!
The other issue, is that squares do not provide anyone with temptation - as it would require some hard work, therefore over the years only 5 or 6 parcels have gone astray!
However, it is not against the rules to send a completed blanket, and, if you prefer to, KAS will still be delighted as Molly has mentioned! It is good hearted people like yourself who become the backbone of this wonderful organisation!
Hi Pam,
Ok I will not sew them together, and give the ladies the opportunity to earn some money for their families. I have some 7 " squares I can send to you already made up but need to be crocheted around to make is it 8" or 12" squares that you take? I totally forgot the size . I was in a Crochet Square Group online several years ago and still have so many squares left and i hate sewing them together I would love to send those to you also if you can use them.This is my way of giving back to communities that are less fortunate than we are.
Only wish I could afford to come there and help for a few weeks I know that it would be a blessing to see you ladies doing God's work to help each other in need. God Bless You All.
Marlene
Thanks for being so understanding Marlene. KAS needs 8x8inch squares, therefore if you could "upsize" the 7inch squares by crocheting around the edges that would be marvellous! If you have other larger sizes, it would be really useful if you could upgrade them to 4x8x8inches squares so they could be used as a centre piece for a blanket.
Yes, most of us would love the chance to help out directly, and, give those kids a cuddle & comfort, but every square is still making an incredible impact - the children who receive the blankets in the next few weeks will have them for several years!
35 squares (1blanket),
1 G-O
1 toy,
1 beanie(which is not needed at the moment),
and now 1 set of hand warmers
......... before I started on anything else, also this keeps me in check with the squares as they are the most needed item. I have made a list and tick off when completed a set. I can't wait to get started on another Kascuddle but with the tally I have I still have 6 squares to go to finish what will become another blanket. Even though these might all be sent at different times as it depends on weight it is how I keep the 'balance' of items as a complete set of the above for each child. Just wanted to share this with you all, but as Ronda says its amazing how it all just pans out & it is important to just send what you enjoy making the most..........
Thanks for the report Ronda!
lovely idea, Nicole.
Thanks Nicole - we really do SO appreciate the way you all think on your feet in this way !! xoxoxoxo
Great organisation Nicole!
That is a really sensible approach Nicole. Happy knitting ! [ or crocheting].
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