September 2020
We've received very encouraging reports and these images from Jacomien Botes of the Karsten Group during the month of September. At Kromhout farm's partial care facility there is a buzz of activity on Saturdays at the women's club. Juanika Marais oversees the women's clubs at Kromhout and Mosplaas in the Northern Cape and she reports that the ladies are so excited about their sewing projects, that they want to purchase their own sewing machines in order to also work at home. Currently the group is producing masks, washable sanitary pads and also these beautiful bags.
The Waitrose Foundation funding for projects on Karsten farms benefit the community, especially the farm workers who grow, pick and pack fresh produce for Waitrose. These projects include the building and renovation of crèches, community halls, soccer fields, play parks for the children, as well as skills training projects like computer literacy, welding and needlework. The Saturday women's club is an excellent example of economic empowerment as the intention is for the ladies to create their own sustainable income through the items they produce. We look forward to following their progress.
