Sewing machines wanted prior to take-off
A charitable grandmother from Bradford is set to venture half way around the world later this year as she hopes to set up a sewing centre in one of Africa’s most deprived nations.
54-year-old Razia Amini, from Heaton, will head to Burkina Faso at the end of May as a representative of the Humanity First charity.
Having already completed two successful trips to the Gambia in the last two years, she is once again calling on the public to help her in her quest to support some of the world’s most vulnerable families.
“This year I am specifically appealing for sewing machines,” she explained. “When we arrive in Burkina Faso we are hoping to set up a self-operating ‘sewing centre’.
“Our initial plan is to hire one member of staff, and train her in the field before she then teaches them same skills to the group which will enable the site to run independently and self-sufficiently.
“The products they make, and services provided, will help them earn a wage in an area of major unemployment and also act as a safe place in the area.”
Razia will spend two weeks in the country alongside one or two other representatives from the charity where they will focus their work on the sewing centre and a local school.
A huge container full of supplies is already being prepared to be shipped prior to Razia’s departure, which so far includes more than 40 sewing machines amongst thousands of other items.
The truck-load of products will be twice the size of her previous collections, and Razia admits it will be a new experience.
“It is going to be a new challenge and we are going to a very poor area but it is something I am looking forward to and prepared for.”
As well as the sewing machines, Razia is also appealing for other donations.
“The major appeal this year is of course the sewing machines but I am also hoping to gather bikes which can help children get access to education which they previously never had,” she said.
“I’m also calling on schools, and businesses who may be refurbishing to donate desks, chairs and laptops which will be put to very good use in the country.”
Almondbury Community School, in Huddersfield, is one educational establishment which has already got involved with the appeal, donating masses of their furniture.
