The Malawi Sewing Project

 

Posted December 17, 2006

 

The Sewing Project uses the sewing skills of the Malawi women.  In 2003 Bill Jahns suggested that the Malawi women start sewing items to be sold in other countries.  The ladies of Malawi enthusiastically started sewing and have truly done a remarkable job with their skills.  Several worked many hours into the late night in order to complete their projects.  Around $700 of items have been sold in the USA and South Africa.  Each person who sewed receive about $25.00 in February 2004 for their work on the sewing items.  This amount to approximately 1 month’s salary for the average Malawi worker.  There are many more items available for sale. Most of the items sewed are covers for couches, but they could be altered to be used as placemats for tables.  There are many ways these items could be used. 

 

Our first USA auction for items was organized by Lisa Williams from Kalamazoo, Michigan on our website at http://lifenets.org/pillowauction/   The sewn items were made part of a pillow cover.  Each item sold provided MORE THAN ONE MONTH'S INCOME for the Malawi families.  Distribution of money is done through Johanesburg, South Africa pastor, Bill Jahns who also overseas Malawi.

 

Mr. E. E. Salawila presenting money for sewing items sold outside of Malawi   Blantyre ladies who participated in the sewing project   Alice Chonde with daughter-in-law Edda (with baby Beverly on back) showing some of their craft and sewing skills