MASIBAMBANE - Let`s hold hands together - is a word coined by interested parties from our previously disadvantaged communities.

Photo right - Palisa and Mary from the Matwabeng Group, Senekal
The outreach programme was started in 1999 with objectives defined as:
1. Bringing together of women whom would otherwise be isolated in their homes/rooms.
2.The creation of opportunities to socialise and share ideas.
3.The development of a sense of pride in providing self-made articles both for themselves and their homes.
4. The development of hand-eye co-ordination, an important asset in life in general.
5. The creation of opportunities to participate in income generating projects.
6. The creation of something useful and aesthetically beautiful, using left-over fabric.
7. The creation of opportunities for cross-cultural experiences.
Progress has been made in the last couple of years and many Outreach groups have started countrywide. Some ladies are already quilting on order while others are helping with the backbreaking job of sandwiching.
The need, however, is great and I would like to appeal to quilters and manufacturers to please help the South African quilters in reaching their objectives in this programme. Anything, that a quilter could use, will be most welcome. Contributions can be made to SAQG OUTREACH PROGRAMME

Email: elminevdw@hotmail.com

Kwa Zulu -Natal

The "Community Quilts" group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Nimble Fingers. Our members originally came from the Grassroots Guild but there are now also some Village Quilters. We have been busy in 2010: we started by giving 24 quilts to deserving families and children in Richmond. A really good quilt was donated to a retirement home to raffle for funds. Another quilt was used by the group to raise funds with which to purchase more batting. In October 2010 we heard about Mr & Mrs Duma who do wonderful work looking after 34 orphans. The group had a trip to their "Tholuthande" home in the Valley and everyone was given a quilt. We hope to, in this way, bring warmth and colour into their lives. Any interested quilters are welcome: contact Elizabeth Woodcock 031 765 7247

The Sharpeville Memorial Quilt

Botshabelo, Bloemfontein Free State

Kopano Sewing Enterprise

Klerksdorp

Bloemfontein, Free State

The Botshabelo quilters, under the expert guidance of Iessie Steenberg are a very busy group of ladies. Generous sponsorship by members of the Oranje Quilters` Guild in the region afford them the opportunity to be creative without financial strain. On the photograph (L-R) are Annie, Liesbet, Iessie (Facilitator), Maria, Catherine, Jeanette, Susan and Anna busy quilting.

Outeniqua Guild

Sunshine Quilters, Mosselbay

The club was initially started in 1992 to teach women to sew for their families but patchwork became so popular that the group became the Sunshine Quilters. A generous grant from Escom in 1998, as well as donations from Outeniqua guild members, allowed the group to buy sewing machines and other sewing necessities. The group averages 14 ladies who make and sell some small articles and bags. The group also offers social support where problems can be discussed.

The photograph is of the 2010 group.

Itireleng Quilting Group

The Itireleng Quilting Group was founded in January 2009 with the help of the Roseneath Quilters. Two sewing machines were donated by Elna Sewing machines and Rene Parr, regional manageres of Elna can be seen handing over the machines. Donation of more machines will greatly aid this Outreach programme.

Johannesburg Outreach programme