KIWODEA

I haven't spoken much about work thus far, but it's what I have been most consumed with. Here's my attempt to catch up the last few weeks of work.
So I was put in charge of the "tailoring project." Somewhere along the line, they had learned that I previously worked in fashion(at a boutique in Boulder-- Lola!), and my interest in the baby clothes that make sparked some ideas. When we asked where they were selling the clothes, they responded my more or less pointing at us, and mumbling something about me taking them back to the states to sell. WHOA WHOA WHOA....... This is NOT a good idea! The previous volunteer who had begun the project, had orginally taken them back to a boutique in Manhattan, but then when the clothes shrank unexpectedly that whole gig fell through. Basically the women were left with some adorable children's clothes, and no where to sell them, because they are not suitable for African children. They are light colored, and surpass the amount that parents spend on their kids clothes, in maybe all of their lives. Not to say they are expensive, it's just that children here where the same outfit day in day out, and its always covered in dirt.
After having been put in charge of this project, my partner and I tried to find local touristy vendors in town to sell the clothes. We got mixed feedback, and it hasn't really proved to be working thus far. However, do to some friends of Gilbert and Triphine's I am working with some great contacts in Arusha, which should start working out soon.
The volunteer who was working with me last, has left to go back to Boston already, however she and a friend donated clothes to a local orphanage. She had KIWODEA make them, so there are two organizations that are coming together, helping one another, KIWODEA is making money, and Kili Centre for street kids and orphans is getting clothed.
Through a lot of contemplation, planning, and getting lots of approval, I finally have received the go-ahead to put on a fashion show! In one week, right before I depart back to the states, I am putting on a publicity event for these two organizations, bringing together the community, inviting United Nations reps, Moshi COmmunity Development Commitee, all CCS volunteers, and several other prominent local contacts, to partake in a celebration. We will be finished with all the outfits for the Kili Centre Orpahange by then(God willingly), and will present the clothes to the kids in the afternoon. The children have been practicing with my closest friend here, Gemma, who is at their placement everyday teaching and playing with them. We will begin with a few speeches, some food made by the KIWODEA women, perhaps some banana wine, and then the children are putting on a fashion show of their new outfits, and I will be walking the down the "runway!" We have two lines of clothing that we are now able to make well, one for local children like school uniforms, and then another which is catered to the tourists to take back home. After introducing the two lines of clothing the kids have been preparing songs and dances for us, which they will then present. The whole event is taking place in the dirt yard in front of KIWODEA, and should be quite the show!
Right now, we are in the throws of planning every detail. I am in town in the morning emailing contacts to get the lines in stores before I leave so that this project is indeed self-sustainable for the women. Then at placement working with the women, who are all very excited, and sewing away. In the afternoons at Kili Centre rehearsing the show with the kids, and in the meantime-- having anxiety!!! (In a good way of course!)
The sewing room was less than healthy for them to be with, so I got in there, scribbed the moldy walls, and together we painted the walls a lovely shade of sky blue. When I first entered KIWODEA over a month ago, I was at a loss, or so I thought. It took a long time to meet anyone, because no one was ever there, and we really didnt know how we were going to help. Now, when I enter in the morning, the place is abuzz with activity, we finally have elctricity, there are sewing machines clacking away, and the women are often breaking out in songs, and we are always laughing!
KIWODEA has become my second home, and I have trouble articulating how far we have come, but I am just astounded at how we have pulled this all together. Working as one big group, instead of struggling individuals, we have made some serious leadway, and I just hope that the fashion show goes smoothly and that by the time I leave the clothing line will be sustainable for them to continue.
I will keep you updated with our progress. I am off to lunch with the founder of our organization, another feaast of stewed bananas and pilau(rice with veggies). mUch more to tell, but I will try to keep updating.
Kwaheri.