Korah & How To Get Involved

If you're committed to blogstalking adoption blogs, then I am sure that you have read about Korah, the dump near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The stories of this place are heartbreaking. Before you read anything I have to say, stop and read this blog post.

And now that you have read that, watch this video.

Those precious lives are each as valuable as you or me in God's sight. There are MANY ways to get involved in this community, including sponsorship of children.

I am asking YOU to help in one particular project, that may cause some blushing. Yes, sanitary napkins/pads for women in the dump. I don't want to be graphic, but good grief- can you imagine not having access to sanitary cloths or anything like that?

Here are a few facts that were posted about women & their periods in this community:

• "ordinary woman are unable to afford basic sanitary protection.
• one pack of sanitary pads costs more than 50% of the average monthly wage for women.
• millions of African women are forced to replace tampons/pads with newspapers and dirty rags.
  • this can lead to vaginal infections for which there is no available medication.
  
  • these vaginal infections are often mistaken to be sexually transmitted infections leading to social embarrassment and domestic violence.
• wives and mothers are unable to work when they have their periods, further hindering already impoverished families.
• girls are forced to take time off school, further jeopardizing their education.
  • because of the economic and cultural crises in Africa, its schools serve as more than academic centers. they provide community resources where young people receive basic care and services, such as food programs, clean water and counseling" (Info was given on our AGCI listserve).
  

Well, the fabulous people on the AGCI listserve have coordinated a drive to not only give women pads, but underwear and a bag to go with the items.

In the words of Sarah, one of the powerhouse ladies heading this project:

"With the Red Tent Project, they did 3 of the 'base' pad and 6-8 inserts per girl. With this amount, they have to wash every day and our goal is to get enough per girl that they only have to wash every other day and they will be better equipped during rainy season when they take a lot longer to dry. The reason there are a larger number of inserts than 'bases' is so that they can customize absorbency - use just one for light days, two for heavier days, etc. Also, just depending on if anything gets on the 'base', they may be able to change the insert and not the 'base' each time. While our goal is 10 pads per girl, I don't think we will quite need 10 'base' pads per girl - so for each kit with this pattern, lets aim for: 6 'base' pads 12-14 inserts 2 pairs panties 1 drawstring bag If you choose to use a different pattern (like the one Jody posted or one of the more "all-in-one" styles) 10 pads per girl would be required as the whole 'unit' is changed every time. I'm so excited that all of you are excited about this project!!! It is another way we can show our African sisters how special they are - and show them how much we love them and God loves them! "

Would you be interested in getting involved? Sewing pads, buying packs of underwear, or making drawstring bags?

Here is a pattern for homemade sanitary napkins. I have another one that I will be happy to email you (email me at yestoadoption(at)gmail(dot) com if interested), and the other pattern also includes instructions on how to make a drawstring bag. The supplies shouldn't be that expensive, and you can even use flannel shirts that you already have.


The goal is to give out 3000 pads and 600 pairs of panties! And do you think it is possible? ABSOLUTELY! What an incredible blessing we can give.

There will be updates on where to ship them when they are done... for now, get crafting! :) Someone will be taking them to Ethiopia in October!

If you participate by sewing, can you please email me a picture of your final products? I promise this will be a no-judgment zone as far as fabric choices and sewing quality :) I think it will be neat to see the entries! Email me at yestoadoption(at)gmail(dot)com. I promise I will not put names with pictures, although I may want to brag that you participated if that is ok!!

Deadline for submission is October 1. Email me for a shipping address.