Traditional Aprons for Sale!

With two years under our belt and a lot of ideas about how to make a lasting impact on our communities through sustainable projects, I think we found something. Under the leadership of Rachel and Jess, the Palala Clubs have begun making traditional aprons to sell. The project has been stressful to say the least in its initial stages, but the feedback we have received thus far has been really encouraging. The goal was to create aprons to have available to Peace Corps Volunteers and staff at upcoming trainings and conferences. We already have over 30 aprons ordered and more are coming in daily.



The best part about this project is that a unique item is being hand crafted and packaged. The aprons, sewn from traditional fabrics (most of which are Da Gama), are made in a variety of styles. Some are plain, some have the face of Mandela on a pocket or two, and some are personalized with a name. In the end, the aprons are folded and stored within a small bag that is made from the leftover fabric scraps. How resourceful!! The finishing touch is the small tag, printed on recycled paper, that contains the "care instructions" and contact information for the Palala Clubs.



We weren't sure how this project would take off, and how successful it would be - but we're hoping for the best. And so far there are many good signs. When teachers like Maam Ditsela and Maam Tema are involved, we are encouraged. The next several months will be exciting as more details are developed and strategies for future implementation are put into place. Right now, Rachel and I are just looking forward to showing off these beautiful aprons (and other Palala Clubs crafts) at our COS Conference next week. I have a feeling we won't be bringing any back home with us!



The more we become involved in our community, the more we want to leave behind. We love our village and the impression that these people have left on us. As the months dwindle down to the end of our service, we can't help but think about the sustainability of the things we've done. Could we have done more? What have they learned? Why didn't we do this or that? Will they remember us five years from now? It's an emotional thing to feel when we care about this place so much. But that's why even in our last months we're pressing forward with new ideas and projects. If you look at the faces in this photo below, you'll see our motivation.



(Currently, the aprons are only being made to sell within South Africa, but we're hoping to open it to overseas sales in the future. We'll keep you posted.)