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Published: February 2nd 2022
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Today was our first official day of Tailoring Class! We had a group of 8 ladies that joined for the two hour class. Most of them showed up, almost, on time so I was glad to see that. We started with going over what knowledge they already have and their goals. Some have never sat at a machine before, while others have experience. There is a desire to make school uniforms and also measure customers to make custom dresses. They do not use pre-made patterns here so I am going to have to go back to my pattern making days. While the manual and electric machines are different, they work the same way. W started with an explanation of how a sewing machine works and the basic parts of the machine. We then started sewing on paper, without thread, so they could get an understanding of how to work the machines. All of them had a bit of a fright when they sat down at the electric machine, but quickly agreed it is much easier than the manual machines. Unfortunately, electric machines are not common here due to power outages and the cost of power.
In the afternoon I met
with my young group of women again and continued with my one on one meetings with them. This has been a great opportunity to understand where each lady is coming from so we can set S.M.A.R.T. goals that are appropriate. Majority of the women have started saving small amounts of money so they can have some start up capital for their plaiting business. One girl I met with is only 13 years old. Her parents told her she can no longer go to school so they sent her to this free program. It is hard to set business goals for a child, but at least she is learning a skill at a young age. If she keep from being married or pregnant until she is an adult she could do well for herself. Another girl is not in school because her parents are spending all of their money to send a sibling to school. She has a ways to go as she has a lot of resentment and anger, which we can not blame her for, but we are working to move past it.
We finished the evening with eating at Irene's bar. I had my first roadside/street food
chicken. This women's chicken is so popular that we had to call ahead and reserve our chicken for the evening.
PACKING FOR THE TRIP I had a few people ask me about my packing for the trip. I brought 5 bags of donations for RWO and Days for Girls so I only brought one checked bag and one carry on backpack for myself. I have a great weekend backpack that has served me well. During the week, I carry a backpack large enough to hold my laptop and then a fanny pack with my money and phones.
Clothes: I brought several travel dresses, made from quick dry fabric, that I wear frequently. I also brought several flowy pants and wide strap tank tops. I have a few casual dresses, hiking pants, and some long sleeved tops. I also brought a few scarves great for the sun and the dust.
I brought a few pairs of sandals, tennis shoes and hiking shoes with gators.
Non-clothing items I brought: 1. An assortment of medicine not knowing what I could get here. The pharmacies are pretty good here as long as you want a generic
medicine
2. Hats: I brought several different hats, I don't need one during the work day but wear them for morning walks, and the weekends
3. Bug Spray: I brought 3 bottles and I might need to find some more before the end of the trip. I use a lot of it!
4. Enough sunblock and toiletries for my trip so I don't have to try unknown brands
5. Umbrella: I have only used it a few times
6. Sunglasses: no one wears sunglasses here unless it is for fashion, but I can't go without them.
7. Travel binoculars: My camera is better, I might invest in some higher quality ones
8. Pillow: I use a pillow from home every night and wished I had brought it to one of the lodges I stayed at
Electronics: 1. Multiple external chargers which are great with the inconsistent power. I will leave them for Hope and Irene
2. Travel sized Bluetooth speaker: certainly not needed, but I have used it quite a bit. I will leave it for Hope and Irene to use at the office
3. Selfie Stick: I
have used it a lot! I will also leave this for Irene and Hope to use at the Clubs
4. Rechargeable fan: again certainly not necessary, but I have used it frequently when it is hot or to keep the bugs away.
5. Large camera for weekend trips. It is heavy, but having my zoom lens is a must
6. Blowdryer/hair straighter. Even with the converter they get very hot so I only use infrequently.
What Items Have I Not Used: 1. I brought a set of sheets not knowing if I would need them. I will leave them with Hope even though they don't quite fit their beds. Our Queen sized bed is 5ft wide by 6.5ft long. Their Queen sized bed is 5ft wide by only 6ft long.
2. Jean jacket: There are times I wish I had it at night time, but didn't bring it with me that day
3. Sweater: But I hope I might need it when I go Gorilla trekking as that region is colder
4. Headlamp: but if you do need it is great to have
What I Wish I Brought 1. I
would have said a debit card, but as I have done more research I think our debit cards are too advanced for this ATMs here so it might not have been helpful
2. If I had known I would be doing the tailoring classes I would have brought several sewing patterns for shorts, dresses etc and other supplies like elastic.
3. And ice machine? Haha overall I feel like I packed well for the trip
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