Last trip to Burkina Faso:
Sept. 13 to Sept. 23, 2011. . . This time, my french partner, François, came with me and contributed much of his knowledge and energy to the project. We now will have support on the french side and the US side!
What was accomplished:
- 2 small chicken farm projects, one not started yet, but one in full swing 4 months later. From 6 hens and a rooster , there are now many chicks, and growing chickens. The chickens will be sold as they get the right size.
- 4 people, 2 men and 2 women, took a 3 days training to learn the correct way to take care of the chickens
- A sewing project is being started to give work to the village women who can sew: The goal is the design and manufacture of Florida style clothing with an African touch, under the brand name Ramena! I always wear those clothes at shows so you can have a pre-peak! It will take a year to go through all the different stages but it’s starting now.
- I have also placed a first order of little pouches which should be arriving by March. You will get your piece of jewelry in a pouch sewn by Delphine!
- I paid for Georgette to learn to use a computer. She is so very thrilled!
Other Accomplishments on this side:
Last fall 2010, at the Venice art show, I met a very special self-made business woman, Connie, when she over-heard me talking with a friend about the problems in Africa.
She decided to support this project, and has started a foundation which is now official. It’s called the Ramena Foundation. The website www.RamenaFoundation.org is right now under construction. The West Africa project is now called Ramena!
Projects in the Cooker for the next trip:
- Another trip in summer 2012
- Now putting together a first aid kit for each of the 3 families we help
- Collecting shoes for the kids
- we will try and build a rain catchment system on one hut and install a cistern to help with the water shortages