WHAT A YEAR!
Out of caution, and in hopes that our decisions will help this be over soon, our chapter has not had any in-person gatherings since February. This will continue until further notice. Please stay safe and well.
My 2020 plate has been filled with unexpected and frustrating surprises. I'm hopefully near the end of the months-long inconveniences caused by a plumbing malfunction, Flooring has been replaced in three rooms, damaged walls repaired, and little by little furniture and boxes of fabric and sewing supplies are making their way back into places where I can access them.
Some of you have made masks, through Days for Girls, another group, or just for your friends and families. I think this need will continue. Do let me know if you need supplies.
Some of you continue sewing our kit components at home. I'm happy to prepare homework for interested folks.
A large majority of would-be travelers worldwide are staying off airplanes, meaning our kits and supplies aren't getting to their recipients when we'd expected. Once the travel doors open again, we'll be ready.
NEW POLICY
Days for Girls has a new policy about not sending kits to areas where there is a Days for Girls Enterprise that could fill the request. We've always said that our goal is to put ourselves out of business. This will mean we won't be providing kits in competition with local DfG Enterprises, who rely on filling those requests to support themselves, and are well trained to provide the education piece in the native language. It's wonderful for them to create successful business models while educating and providing kits for girls and women in their areas.
ANCIENT WAYS
As mentioned earlier, we had a request for volunteers to make masks out of some African fabrics. These are being made available as a fundraiser to help a community in Zimbabwe deal with Covid-19. I spent several days cutting African fabrics, finding and cutting coordinating fabric for linings and ties, as well as lightweight interfacing for these masks. Thanks to those of you who picked up kits to make masks for this project. You can see info on the
Ancient Ways website
GREAT INTERVIEW
Celeste Mergens, the founder and head of Days for Girls is interviewed by an Australian on this podcast. It's informative and heartwarming . . . and long. Carve out some time, get comfortable, and be encouraged by the impact of what we do.
It's here.
IT'S ALMOST TIME!
Yes, I know you've been anticipating since last year . . . August 5 is National Underwear Day! This is a time of year that stores like Target and Walmart usually have their back-to-school undies sales, or sometimes later in the month. Some years we've been able to get girls' panties for 50¢ a pair in special bonus packs. Women's prices under a dollar each are good. We use girls' sizes 10 to 16, and women's up to size 5 to 7. Styles that work with our shields are bikini, briefs and hipsters (no boy shorts or thongs). The darker the color, the better, but they can be dyed. We avoid prints with animals. Many packs of girls' undies come with prints depicting animals, and those end up donated to or swapped with another nonprofit.
Keep your eyes open for online sales! Or in-store if you're brave enough.
REFUGEE PROJECT
Remember the 527 kits we contributed to go to refugees in four countries last fall? Here's a report on those distributions:
Last year, Chapters and Teams collectively contributed 46,571 DfG Kits to the Chapter and Team Refugee Project. We're excited to share an update below.
 DfG Lebanon
In collaboration with the 3 DfG Lebanon Enterprises, Chapters and Teams sent 4500 DfG Kits to Lebanon. An additional 2050 Kits were purchased from the Enterprises with the funds raised and a grant from Goldman Sachs, taking the total to 6530 DfG Kits.
Distributions were impacted by political unrest and then by COVID-19. Despite this, Lebanon Country Coordinator Khayrieh and the Enterprise Leaders adapted and have continued distributions in partnership with several local organizations and UNFPA, following all local protocols, including smaller groups, social distancing, and hygiene and safety precautions.
In addition, the Enterprises have also been receiving orders from several organizations in Lebanon including Concern Worldwide, Oxfam, and ReHope Korea, increasing the number of refugees receiving DfG Kits and education. They also pivoted to the needs within their community, adding masks to their production. To date they have sewn and sold over 1000 masks!
Below are some photos of DfG Lebanon in action distributing Chapters and Teams Kits to Syrian refugees (the first two photos are pre-COVID-19).
 
 
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 | | A video and thank you message from DfG Lebanon Enterprise Leaders! You can follow the DfG Lebanon facebook page HERE for updates. |
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World Vision
We collectively contributed 42,071 DfG Kits to World Vision in Australia, Canada, and the US. They planned to send the Kits to Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Somalia. Due to the high volume of Kits received, they were able to add a fourth location, also sending DfG Kits to Iraq!
Afghanistan
The DfG Kits have arrived in Afghanistan and the World Vision Field Teams have begun distributing them. They have received very positive feedback.
“I didn’t know how important menstrual hygiene management was. I have never talked to anyone about it due to shame. In the past, I felt I was filthy and that this blood was a sign of impurity because I had no idea what this blood was for and why we had to experience it for 7 days per month. Now I know how to take care of my body and no longer experience shame from menstruation because it is a sign of a healthy body.” - 15-year-old Kit recipient.
You can read the full impact article HERE. DfG was also highlighted as World Vision's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene partner in THIS article.
 Somalia
After shipping delays, the Kits have arrived and the World Vision Field Teams are about to begin distributions.
South Sudan and Iraq
Unfortunately due to COVID-19, the Kits are currently stuck at customs. The World Vision Field Teams are working hard to get them released and are at the ready to begin distributing them. They have reported that they are needed now more than ever.
We will continue to provide updates, photos, and videos as things progress! Thank you to all who contributed to making this project a reality. What a difference YOU have made!
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