We've hit a few setbacks as we've tried to get this project underway, evidenced by the fact that it's been almost two months since I've updated the blog. Some things that have been happening:
- We sent over some diaper fabric in July so Jane could start learning how to make diapers, but half of the fabrics were misplaced and we still haven't been able to trace them.
- The cloth pad project was going well, but Jane was making pads faster than we could get donations for them - She was up to making about 50 pads per week, and we couldn't keep up with her! So we had to put a hold on the cloth pads while the donations caught up to the pads she had provided.
- I've had a lot of personal and work issues that have demanded my time and energy which hasn't left much time for this.
- I'm exhausted - growing a person is hard work! I'm currently 6 months pregnant and my almost 3 year old has been having sleep issues and waking up 1-2 times on an average night.
- I was planning to participate in a craft fair this month to sell a few of my items and also advertise and raise donations for the cloth pad project. However, due to the previous two items, I didn't have the time or energy to prepare for the craft fair and ended up cancelling.
I spoke with Jane on the phone yesterday and learned that she will be moving tomorrow because she only has sporadic work and can't pay her rent. My major motivation behind this project is to provide Jane and women like her an opportunity to earn a good income and support their families.
So for now, I've decided to put the diapers on hold and put more effort into raising donations for the cloth pads.
If you'd like to help support this project, $2 will cover the cost of one pad, $10 will cover the cost of a set of 5 pads, and $20 will cover the cost of two sets. 100% of the donations are sent to Kenya to cover the cost of materials and provide Jane with a generous salary. The pads, which are reusable and last several years, are given to young women who don't have access to pads.
Donations can be sent via paypal (valerie@kijaniupcycling.com) or can be mailed - send me a message if you would like my address.
