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ALL OF THESE WOMEN ARE HEROES
They smile and laugh for the camera but the challenges they face outside of their work-day are beyond what we can ever imagine. Water supplies are now contaminated and family members regularly develop tummy aches and worse. Most relatives are unemployed so the burden is upon the one who earns to feed and clothe the rest.
The cost of school fees these days has risen to beyond what most parents can afford. Often their husbands have fled across the border where they can find work. One of the most poignant of episodes in the daily lives of women is re-enacted with tragic frequency. Someone will just fail to show up to work.
Word spreads that she has died. Everyone gives money for the funeral and some take time off to pay respects. AIDS is never mentioned as it is still a disease for which people, and families of people who have it, are ostracized. Cause of death is not discussed, but early death has become commonplace.
So important is education that amazingly some women are studying for their exams at night by candlelight, years after leaving school prematurely, not wanting to give up on hope for a better life. Some of the artisans rise proudly to become Eco Africa trainers and supervisors. Crafting has given their lives creativity - self esteem - meaning.
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FORTUNATE
“I am a married young lady aged twenty one with one child who spends the weekdays at our daycare center. Since 2004 I have been working as a paper-crafter. The money that I bring home enables me to take care of my family. I have also gained experience as a decorator of our products which is useful for my future.”
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FELISTAS
“I am a twenty-four year old lady working with Eco Africa as a paper crafter. I really enjoy my work. I like making new friends. I am still single and Eco Africa helps my life financially.”
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HILDA
“I, Hilda was born on the 8th of August 1977 and did my schooling in the town of Bulawayo. After school I worked for a few companies as a dress-maker and shop assistant. I am working now at Eco Africa as a paper crafter. I have learned a lot from Eco Africa and hope to further my experience if luck knocks on my door one day. I have just taken my o-level exams for which I studied after work. Eco Africa has helped in the upkeep of my family and my little daughter Lianne.”
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ROSINA
“I am Rosina and I am twenty three years old. I work with Eco Africa as a paper crafter and I do a lot of die-cutting. I enjoy my work a lot with the funny dies that I cut. We are eight in our family and I am not yet married.”
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JESSICA
“I am Jessica aged thirty five years old. I did my secondary education in the rural areas and finished in 1989. From then I was not working until I started with Eco Africa as a paper crafter. I enjoy my work decorating our products and the designs are really good. The money I am earning is helping me look after my three daughters. Prudence is aged twelve doing Grade 7 this year. Definite is aged nine doing grade 4 and Kimberly aged three is attending our day care center.”
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BESTER
“I am Bester, a woman aged 32 and I live at St Mary's district and I have three children. Most of the time I spend here at Eco Africa and during the weekend I go to church. Eco Africa is helping us to survive with our families. St Mary's is just a small community and I walk at least a kilometer to our workshop.”
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TRISH
“My name is Trish Johns aged 21 years. I am married and I stay at St Mary's district in Chitungwiza quite near our workshops with my husband and mother in law. I work as a paper-crafter and a die cutter. I enjoy my work and the money I bring home is enough for me and my family. I have one brother and one sister and both our parents are dead. My sister and brother are staying with my granny who is crippled so I pay school fees for them.”
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CHARITY
“I am Charity and I became a paper crafter when Eco Africa started in 2003. I am in charge of the papers and counting them when they come into the mission. I married three years ago and now I have a little baby boy who goes to the day care center and is always full of mischief. After work everyone makes a fuss of him."