May 2008 Zimpeto Sewing and Carpentry Program Update

The Blanchettes have been at Zimpeto for only a month now. Bob writes a very encouraging report:

"We have a well stocked worshop now. We have been busy buying tools - a table saw, router, drill, jig saw, sander, planer and some hand tools.

“We have been working with the boys making cribs for the baby house. It seems that a new baby arrives every time we turn around! We are trying to make 6 cribs, to hopefully get ahead of the need. We have also made quite a few cupboards for different areas in the centre. We have one more to make for the school classrooms and then each class will have their own cupboard for supplies. We are looking for a project that the boys can make for sale in the hospitality office, and are thinking that perhaps jewellry boxes might be a workable idea.

[A few of the boys - learning a trade and having good fun!]

"Betty has purchased several new sewing machines and is starting a new program with the girls, teaching 5 or 6 different girls, three afternoons per week. Also, one afternoon each week several girls will come to sew an assortment of items to sell to the visitors. There are currently 16 girls learning sewing skills.

(Young women learning seamstress skills!]