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Protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga
Ranger Widows Get Sewing in a Quest for Financial Autonomy
We often blog about the death of Rangers in Virunga – each time it is devastating event that permeates life throughout the park. Over 125 have died in the last 10 years in the line of service. This is a significant number – and as significant is the number of widows and fatherless children who are left to struggle. We at ICCN try to assist them as much as possible, with a one-off payment to start with. This has largely been possible thanks to your support on this website – your donations have been extremely generous and made an enormous difference to our over-stretched resources.
Now a group of 32 widows, with the help of IGCP, a not-for-profit organization here in Virunga, are learning how to sew to enable them to gain some financial autonomy. Much is reported on the plight of women in Congo – indeed it is one of the toughest places on earth for women.
So it is heart-warming to have an opportunity to blog about this positive initiative. Once the ladies have finished their training they will each receive a sewing machine so they can set up independently. Bravo.
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Caroline 15 $ - 27 Aug 2010Protecting Park Area 20
Jessica 25 $ - 27 Aug 2010Salary Supplement for a Ranger
Unregistered Donor 40 $ - 27 Aug 2010Protecting Park Area 179
Caroline 25 $ -
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Bernard B 25 $ - 27 Aug 2010Open donation
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Ryan B 25 $ - 25 Aug 2010Support the Gorilla Orphans
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Brenton H 10 $ -
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Theresa S 10 $ -
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Janie P 25 $ - 25 Aug 2010 Multiple items
Unregistered Donor 107 $ - 25 Aug 2010Protecting Park Area 22
Unregistered Donor 25 $ - 24 Aug 2010Support the Gorilla Orphans
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News from Congo- Suspected rebels rape over 240 women in DR Congo: NGO - AFP
- Congo Mass Rape Numbers Rise To 240: UN Report - Huffington Post (blog)
- Will United Nations Cover-Up Rwanda’s Congo Genocide? - Black Star News
- Soco Falls After Nganga Well Finds Water-Bearing Sands in Congo - Bloomberg
- Congo Gives Rights to Two First Quantum Mines to Hong Kong-Based Company - Bloomberg
- MagIndustries Update on Potash Investment Agreement with Republic of Congo - MarketWatch (press release)
- UN Delays Release of Report on Possible Congo Genocide - New York Times
- UK complicit in bankrolling Congo conflict - The Guardian
- British man piloted Congo death crash plane - The Guardian
- Congo rapes worse than reported - Salon
This website was funded by the European Union and the Prince Bernard Nature Fund.
12 Responses to “Ranger Widows Get Sewing in a Quest for Financial Autonomy”
Great idea, I hope they set up some fair trade online shop, so we could purchase some of their work.
Hey, Samantha! Thanks for this news - it’s great. My first reaction is the same as CT’s. But here’s what - I pledge to purchase an item from one of the women, made by sewing machine or by hand. I don’t have deep pockets but even a small purchase might give them a boost. And what might seem like a small amount to me might make a big difference to them. Not sure how expensive shipping or how complicated customs would make a small purchase but maybe we could call it a donation and fit a small item like a top in an envelope as a non-commercial sample. If this type of thing might fly for starters, one idea would be to make an item that might not require exact sizing or fitting like a long, lightweight jacket with contrasting belt to wear over other things. Well, I have a creative imagination and could go on (and on) but I’ll quit there. Happy to hear the report. Thanks again! (I’m serious about my pledge!)
You’re Right CT and this activity makes Ranger widows more financially independent
Thanks CT and Suzanne for your ideas. I shall communicate them to IGCP and we can follow this project on the blog.
Bravo indeed!!!
Oops! Innocent has just called me and told me that Avsi, the Italian not-for-profit organization is also a key player in this initiative. Apologies for that bit of misinformation… my mistake.
I would love to be able to purchase an item. The colors they use are so beautiful!
When I give to your organization, I always give to help the widows. I figure lots of people will want to donate for the gorillas and briquette program but I feel so sorry for the family left behind when a ranger is killed in the line of duty. I too will be interested in buying from the program. I love those printed cottons available in Africa. Keep up the good work.
Bravo to the widows. As a keen seamstress myself, I will gladly support and buy. Just tempt me.
Jacina
Trustee G4G
Thanks guys.. again, will let Avsi and the ladies know…
oh my! beautiful work. and what beautiful gifts… i would gladly purchase! please keep us up to date on how?
Shirts for guys in those wonderful African fabrics would do very well online. Certainly XL sizes ! LOL I work with a Luo lady originally from Kenya, and she always says I have African ‘in me’ because I like to wear colourful shirts!