Droplets of hope rain down in Cato Ridge
Pray 4 Rain has helped a few women earn an extra income after their working hours at a farm were reduced due to the drought.
THE effects of the drought that hit the country last year has had far-reaching consequences for South Africans.
It has caused more than an inconvenience for homeowners wanting to draw water from their taps.
One woman, passionate about the well-being of her staff, has become a beacon of hope for her staff in dark and trying times.
The drought hit Robyn Armstrong’s land in Cato Ridge and she was forced to reduce her staff’s working hours.
Wanting to help keep the women’s afternoons productive and assist them in earning an income to help with the sudden shortfall, project Pray 4 Rain/Thandazela Imvula was born.
She introduced them to amigurumi, a form of crochet. “I am just someone trying to make a small difference in a group of women’s lives at present,” said Robyn. “It started with a prayer for rain and what we could do while we waited for rain to fall.”
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Even though she, nor her staff, knew how to crochet, a work room and play room for children was set up at the farm. “We all learnt to crochet together. I needed to work out a system so the patterns could be made easier to follow,” said Robyn.
The patterns were then transferred onto colour charts and each person was given a pack with wool, a chart, a crochet hook, a pair of scissors and reading glasses to follow and make that specific project. The women’s children and grandchildren could then join them after working hours to do their homework, build puzzles or read.
Once the pieces have been completed and are quality checked, it is then assembled and decorated, giving each one of the hand-made animals a unique personality and an individual look.
“The person is paid for the individual item that they have made. The balance of our costs are wool, patterns, fabric, marketing and are added as an additional cost to the item when it is sold,” said a proud Robyn.
The projects first exhibition can be seen at the Woza Moya store at Kloof Fields Centre.
“We are so proud to be hosting the Thandazela Imvula #prayforrain project in the Field’s Hill Shop. Please support this wonderful initiative. Visit the exhibition or buy one of the cuties on display, from the sublimely crocheted rabbits, piglets, sheep and octopus, all of which were specially designed for babies. The craftsmanship is top notch and the work is a delight for the soul,” said Woza Moya’s Paula Thomson.
Robyn thanked each resident who has purchased one of the gorgeous products.
“The money from the sale will benefit the person who created the intricately designed product. I feel that there are so many women who have so many skills that can be harnessed. We also need to make consumers aware of the amount of time and love that goes into handmade crafts and we need to support local goods that grow and feed our communities. This is the start of a journey where we hope and pray to leave a trail of wool and Africa wherever you go.”
While Pray4Rain has a domain name, the site, www.pray4rain.co.za, is still under construction. If you are able to help the project set up and populate its website, contact Robyn Armstrong on 082 707 5515 or e-mail pray4rain@ionet.co.za.
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