Quilting

Nigerian women love fabric—and there's lots of it in the market! Bright and bold prints and tie-dyes are a feast for the eyes. Nigerians love to dress beautifully in multi-colored garments. When the HIV+ women were first shown how to cut fabric into small pieces for quilting, they all gasped at the very idea of it. However, now that they have learned how to make beautiful quilts and they have fed their children with the profits, they no longer shudder before cutting into the fabric.

About 40 HIV+ women and orphan children come together three afternoons a week in order to sing, dance, pray, quilt, and share their life experiences with each other. The training center is a hive of activity with eight treadle sewing machines humming along, women spreading their half-finished quilts on the floor, and children darting through the happy melee.

When the women are not at the training center, they are busily sewing at home on their own machines. Twenty-five women have received these machines as the result of designated gifts given to Mashiah Foundation.

The women say Mashiah Foundation is their second family as they have found love and acceptance here. The joy in their lives is evident as many say they no longer have time to sit and think about all their problems. They are encouraged not to overwork themselves, but they respond, It's the work that is keeping us well!