Iowa sewing group empowers South African girls with hygiene kits
By Eric Hanson
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SOUTH AFRICA (KCCI) — A group of women in Iowa is changing lives by sewing personal hygiene kits for South African girls, helping them stay in school and pursue their dreams.
Wanda Armstrong, a member of the group from Grimes, said, “We’ve been part of the group since 2016.” These kits are essential for many girls who lack access to basic menstrual supplies, which can lead to missing school. Wanda explained, “The girls would have to stay home and miss valuable education opportunities by being in schools.”
The group produces 200 kits annually, each packed with necessary supplies and instructions, providing not just materials but also confidence and a better chance at attending school.
“It gives you a really warm feeling that makes you feel great that Iowa is a part of something great that’s helping these girls stay in school and get an education,” Wanda said.
Every stitch serves a higher purpose, with kits packed into suitcases traveling halfway across the world. The kits end up in South Africa, where they are accompanied by lessons that change lives and keep girls in school.
In a classroom filled with 128 teenagers eager to learn, Hilda Chongani said, “Each and every one has a goal or a dream to want to be someone else when they grow up.”
When the girls discovered the hand-sewn gifts from Iowa were theirs, relief filled the room, and the Iowa women on a mission trip handed out the bags with hugs.
Mimi Kelly-Meyer from Indianola expressed the impact, saying, “And so to be here and support them in all of the knowledge and share supplies with them is really incredible.”
Jessica Lawson from Urbandale noted the shared experiences, saying, “And just to see the same teenage struggles. It’s the same exactly as we have back home.”
This project, based in love, is one of many ways Iowa is delivering generosity from Iowa to Africa.
KCCI’s Eric Hanson recently traveled to South Africa to cover dozens of efforts to provide clean water, healthy food and basic sanitation to children there. His This is Iowa special, From Iowa to Africa, airs Sunday, Feb. 22nd at 9pm on KCCI.
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