Friends of Kasitu - a chance to make a difference in malawi (24 May)

Kasitu Foundation is a new grassroots NGO in Malawi. It is formed by the people of Kasitu village in a remote district of Nkhotakota. It exists to fight HIV/AIDS through economic empowerment, health education and facilitating access to care for those infected and affected by HIV. The community has high HIV/AIDS prevalence and has experienced high mortality rates in recent years. However, the NGO is struggling to take form due to lack of resources, and would like to include an income generating project to subsidize their activities.

In July, my friend Ali Maiorano will visit and spend some time working with Kasitu Foundation. Ali, a talented artist and designer, will work with a handful of women from Kasitu on marketable sewing projects that use the beautiful, colourful and locally available chitenges. The project is not finalized, but some ideas include baby blankets, wall hangings, table runners or satchel bags. Prototypes will be sent to local tourist shops and the foundation will continue to make and sell the items in order to support their HIV work.

This an incredible opportunity for both Ali and Kasitu Foundation, and also for us. The start up costs are minimal (approximately $800) after which the foundation will sustain their own supplies through their profits. By making a small donation, your efforts can snowball into a long term project that affects many people. Any and all donations are accepted – including words of support. If you are interested to make a monetary donation, please send a check to my mom, Alice Hedt, at the address below. She will deposit into my account and I will draw the moneys from Malawi.

Please make checks to Bethany Hedt, with "Kasitu Foundation" on the subject line. Alice Hedt Attn: Kasitu Foundation 4100 Elsie Ct. Landover Hills, MD 20784 (Please note that Kasitu Foundation does not have non-profit status in the US and so donations are greatly appreciated, but not tax deductible.)

I have included some photos from my visit to Kasitu for New Years and also of my wonderful friend Ali. Please email if you have more questions (bethhedt@hotmail.com).
Zikomo! b