Under The Almond Tree

Since I’m halfway through my placement I figure it’s time to talk about work. My workplan is two-pronged: institute income-generating activities (IGA) for a group of patients from International Health Care Clinic (IHCC) and implement financial controls for West Africa AIDS Foundation. Partly by choice and partly by circumstance, Joanne and I have been focusing on the IGA project so far.

The group started years ago when a few people living with HIV/AIDS gathered under the shade of the almond tree in the front yard of IHCC. They came together to find support emotionally and financially, away from a world engulfed by stigma and discrimination. Most of them lost their jobs and the support of their families and communities due to their status. With the help of several volunteers, the group learned how to make jewellery from traditional glass beads. The group was able to make enough casual sales to help pay for their antiretrovirals, burdening food needs, children’s school fees, and rent. Just before I arrived the group had lost its impetus but gained funds to run three activities. In addition to the jewellery, a bakery will be created for bread production. Other participants will sew clothing and accessories from batik and tie & dye, a Ghanaian decorative fabric. We now have fifteen members, five for each activity, who are learning essential skills under the name The Almond Tree. They believe that with solidarity, equality, mutual support and economic independence they will reclaim freedom and have control over their destiny.

The beading and sewing have been in production since the beginning of December. The remaining seven participants are being trained in bread-making or batik and tie & dye. Our goal is to have a bakery, dying facilities, workroom, and showroom by March. Each group member will be trained in their activity as well as marketing, record-keeping, customer service, inventory, quality control, and project management.

This project has huge potential. We would like all participants to become proficient in all three skills. In an effort to support more of the community, we would like to expand the group and hold workshops to enhance their daily quality of life. As the group is trained, they will take over all related tasks. IHCC hopes to implement a micro-credit structure that enables the groups to truly own their projects. Unfortunately the project not only needs a dedicated group of individuals, it needs sales to become a true success. This is the part where you expect me to tell you how you can help. But most of you have already helped by contributing to my fundraising in October. However, if you live in the London, ON area look for a Valentine’s Day campaign from the AIDS Committee of London featuring our products. Or let me know if you know any organizations or retails who might be interested in selling one-of-a-kind Ghanaian jewellery, clothing, and accessories.

I admire the strength of each and every one of our group members. Nothing about their lives is easy. Just having a place to go in the morning where they belong gives them purpose. I am honoured that they have trusted me with their stories and their project.