2011 Sixth Distribution Post 6: Women Penpal Program

W112 Beatrice above with her cooking oil her penpal purchased for her.

W100 Regina above wih her new outfit and shoes from her penpal and W111 Clara below with the mealie meal from her penpal.

W117 above and W119 below

W120 above and W121 below

W122 above and W123 below

W124 above and W126 below

W128 below

The women's program is a lot of fun for the women and their international penpals.  These women serve other day in and day out raising their grandkids, working in the fields, cooking the meals,etc.  When other women in other parts of the world may be retired from their jobs and able to rest, these women have never had a rest. 

This program allows them to think of themselves- if only for a few moments a day as they write a letter to their penpal or read one from their penpal.  When their penpal sends a gift, this puts a smile on their face because someone far away cares about them and their well-being. 

I have put 9 more faces in this post.  If you would like to be a penpal to one of these ladies, please let me know.

New Program for Widows!!

If you are not a part of our yahoo group, make sure to get signed up.  It is the best way to get updates and surprises.  One such surprise was announced yesterday on the board.  We now offer a penpal program that will link the widows/older women of Mazabuka with a caring friend.  As a penpal to a widow in our program, you will receive regular letters and are free to write to them as often as you would like to.  You may, also, purchase or send them gifts that they can pick up at distribution. 

These women work long and hard in order to continue providing for their families without their spouses.  Most are raising their grandchildren.  This penpal program is meant to give them something to look forward to.  For now, we are allowing only one widow per sponsor until everyone has a chance to help.  Then, you can write to 2 or more if you wish. 

In order to see the women waiting for penpals, you have to be on the yahoo group board.  There is a photo album of ladies labeled "Sponsors for Widows".  We only have 8 women left, so if you are interested in writing to one, let me know asap via the board. 

A couple of months from now, when relationships have been established, it will be possible to set the women up with IGPs (Income Generating Projects).  No doubt that everyone has a talent, and these ladies are sure to be able to find their niche if given a chance. 

I hope everyone enjoys the program for years to come!