April 2022 Zimpeto Sewing & Carpentry Program Updates

Sewing Program:

With much celebration, the new girls' dormitory officially opened just before Christmas, and with it, the spacious, new girls' sewing room, which has, after two long years, led to the reinstatement of sewing classes. Fourteen girls are being trained, 7 with some experience and 7 who are just beginning to sew. Lourdes (their teacher) is kept very busy!

With the lifting of many Covid regulations, we have also invited eight of our reintegrated older girls back to sew, to provide them with a small income each month.

Just yesterday, one of our long reintegrated girls (Lina) was here, now married and with her toddler. She learned to sew during her years at the centre (taught primarily by Betty Blanchette). Lina saved a significant amount during her days here, and we had contacted her to come and collect her remaining savings. She came to see me with a big smile on her face and with repeated thankyous! Seeing the joy on Lina's face was priceless.

The program provides a skill of great worth. It offers young women a  means to earn a small income when they leave the base. We encourage them to learn how to make their clothing and invite them to sell small items in the hospitality shop.

Carpentry Program:

Many of our IMC supporters know that Bob Blanchette, who initiated and oversaw the IMC Carpentry Program at Zimpeto, passed away in January. He is dearly missed.

[A portrait  of Bob that was painted on base, waiting to be framed and hung in the Carpentry area.]

Along with the love of their professions, Bob and his wife Betty taught life skills (carpentry and sewing), discipled youth, and trained leaders, preparing many for their futures. Lourdes now oversees the sewing project and Emilio the carpentry project.

Emilio trains five youth at a time, and they make all of our wooden products on the base; tables, windows, cupboards, and more. As a part of their work, the team is currently refurbishing the carpentry shop in Bob’s honour and memory.

[The refurbishment and work are going well, and the picture of Bob is hung.]

[A finished table as above) for break times!]