We have seen his dream become a reality.
Last year’s harvest exceeded anything they had ever dreamed of. With all their land fertilised and planted with improved seed, compared with 2017 when we had funds for only a portion of their land to be so planted, their harvest last November was superb.
Late last year Amlaku attended a two-week training course in Uganda, learning how to make and market the Days for Girls reusable sanitary towel kits that have made such a difference to the lives of the girls and women in his village. Lasting for between three and four years, these kits enable women and girls to continue to work or attend school rather than having to withdraw from life for a week every month.
Now, supported by generous gifts from New Zealand, Amlaku has established an enterprise employing 20 youngsters from the village to make and market these kits throughout the area.
The youngsters would normally struggle to find work so this is huge for them, even if it does mean an 8km walk to and from the village every day.
They have been trained in all aspects of reproductive health and will share that knowledge as they market the kits throughout the area.
Amlaku has bought two sewing machines and an overlocker along with all the necessary fabrics.
They have rented a building in Lalibela and finally started to make the kits in late March.
He thinks the demand will be huge because there is nothing similar on the market there. Normal sanitary products are available in the bigger towns and cities but for rural girls and women these kits will be invaluable.
After a recent visit to the village Amlaku reported every family now has plenty of food on their table, with flourishing vegetable gardens both improving their diet and also producing ongoing income from the sale of produce to hotels in Lalibela. We plan to ship a Jang seeder to them shortly to aid them in their vegetable gardens.
The project has now reached the stage where we can look to withdraw our support at the end of this year.
More than $200,000 has been invested into the people of Baregota. It has been well used and the results are evident in terms of changed lives, changed attitudes and the emergence of a sustainable village economy – much to celebrate. Incidentally, our costs come to about 5% of the total money given.
We do however have two things we need to do before the end of the year.
To enable them to build up some reserves in the bank account each family now has we want to fund fertiliser for one more year – to the tune of $460 a farmer. Money in the bank for them means that from now on they will be able to buy their own improved seed and fertiliser as well as meet other needs.
They have also asked that we provide each home with a solar panel so they can have lighting in their houses. It is particularly important for the children doing their homework. A panel costs $250.
If you think this is a neat project I suggest now might be the time to help. Please email me at ric@bricks.org.nz or make a deposit directly into our bank account – Bricks for Life Inc, account number 06 0729 0613936 00. Cheques made out to Bricks for Life Inc can be posted to me at 100 Worcester St, Ashhurst, 4810.
All donations are receipted, provided you let me have your details when you make the donation, but regrettably cannot be used for a tax refund.
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