'Patching Together a Future'
Thanks to Sandra Orford and the Beenleigh Quilters, my goal of starting some vocational programs at the Linda School is starting to become a reality. So far Sandra has found three second hand sewing machines and is fast collecting thread, material, needles, pins, scissors etc etc to get the kids started. We aim to collect a few more machines and consumables over the next couple of months before shipping everything early in the new year.
The concept is simple and I'm hoping it will achieve a couple of things. The first is giving the older girls, who won't or can't go on to high school, a reason to remain under the influence of the school for much longer while teaching them a very usefull skill. And second, is to provide a platform for the school to begin to make a little income to help cover some of their basic necessities.
Eventually, I'm hoping this program and other similar vocational training ideas will evolve to the point where the school can employee the kids, provide them with incomes and make an operating profit. At that point the programs become self sustaining.
So, if you have an old sewing machine hanging around that you've been wondering what to do with or have any of the consumables mentioned above (as well as patterns or ideas for training and money making), contact me at orf@orfaid.org and I will put you in touch with Sandra.
Stay tuned for updates on what else I am achieving with the funds you helped to raise and hopefully the implementation of more vocational programs...
Laptops for Life Fabricating Employment
