During our visit to Matapwili we met a man named Hashim who suffers from Elephantiasis, a debilitating parasitic disease characterized by thickening of the skin and underlying tissues. Hashim expressed interest in obtaining a sewing machine so that he could start a small embroidery business. Upon returning home, Team Canzania took on this project and a few months later, Hashim had a sewing machine.
In Africa, something as simple as a sewing machine can provide a livelihood. We received the following e-mail update from Jeanann at Kisampa Camp:
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Dear Edye,
I was in the village the other day and went to see Hashim (who received help from you to buy a sewing machine). I had guests with me so asked him to show us some examples of the sort of things he was doing these days…he held up this top…embroidered with his machine. I was amazed…it’s stunning…very colourful, very well done…and all self taught.
I hope you enjoy the picture and that it gives you some idea of the help you gave him.
We have just this week purchased another, similar, machine for our laundry lady, Fatuma, who is over the moon. She has been putting away money for a few months now. I will send a picture of her receiving her machine. Richard has yet to put it all together because it had to be packed up small to fit into the aeroplane to get it to Kisampa.Many many thanks for the help you have given to our village,Best wishes.
Jeanann
KISAMPACAMP
Kisampa Conservation Area
SaadaniTanzania
