LANGA SEWING GROUP
The sewing group has been in existence for about a year and a half now.
We started with six women from the Tuesday HIV/AIDS support group at the Langa Clinic. Some of the women we started have left and new ones have joined but because there are only six working sewing machines available only six can be there at a time. They have improved quite a lot in terms of quality of the work done and working independently.
Members of the congregation have been very generous in donating fabrics, haberdashery and sewing machines to help them. We also had a very successful “flea market” in March at the Church hall and once again thank you all for your support. We are hoping to make it every 3rd month.
We got a “contract” to make fitted sheets for the new mattresses at the Presbyterian Church crèche at Langa and it was a chance for them to earn some money. Thank you to Anne and Robert. We had a great handing over ceremony which was attended by Anne, Robert and Judy (Sewell).
There are plans for us to combine our work with the beaders to give them a different look.
Our “specialty” are cushions, aprons, oven gloves, pillow cases, fitted sheets so if anyone needs any of these items please let us know and we’ll make it to your specifications.
The sewing has really helped the women. It is always a joy to see the look on their faces when they complete an item that has been well done. It is also a way of showing others that you can be HIV positive and still be a productive member of your community.
The way forward is for them is to form co-operatives where they can empower other women in their community who are also HIV positive.
I’d like to thank Rob Robertson specially for always helping us with the repairs of the sewing machines.
Once again thank you for your support and God Bless You.
Elizabeth Darkwa
