Dzidefo (meaning “there is hope” and pronounced Jidefo) Women’s Co-op was established in February 2008, by Village Volunteers and by “Mama Ama Peta”, a volunteer from Canada. The co-op was founded to give the women a sustainable income, develop their business skills, and to develop their sewing techniques and skills to enable their work to be marketed in the US and Canada.
Five amazing women; Regina, Joan, Mabel, Aku and Rose, were the founding members. In two and half weeks they made nearly 80 toddlers outfits, diaper bags, crib blankets and laundry bags! They were dedicated (often arriving an hour early and leaving a hour late). They worked as a team, they were creative, attentive, produced quality work, and were wonderful smart, funny, laughing women, so keen to learn. It was such a reward to work with them.
Village Volunteers purchased the machines, fabric and sewing supplies, a cupboard, and opened a bank account. All the fabric used is GTP or ATL designs (pure Ghanaian fabrics) or woodblock batik prints. This is to promote Ghanaian fabrics and to give a really delightful ethnic flavour to all the items made.
The next steps are to buy 6 more machines, a large table, more fabrics, and sewing supplies, and expand their repertoire to include sunhats, new toddlers clothing designs, pinafores, maybe change mats, etc. Interesting designs, but not overly ornate as the fabric will tell the story. Sewing knowledge and skills is an asset here.
Kpando is a great friendly town with a terrific market, just make sure you have enough cedi’s as the nearest place to change money is 40kms away.
Mama Esi Regina is an incredibly hardworking woman, she runs an orphanage where I stayed. She is a woman of many smiles and infectious laughter, and has a huge heart. Edward Kojo, the coordinator, is a true gentleman, infinitely helpful, thoughtful, caring man of the old school.
I felt very privileged to have worked with both these people and my “wonderful women” from the co-op.
Peta Hall
Bloomfield, Ontario, Canada
Kpandu Village
February 2008