Freedom Kits to MALAWI

A local group supporting a school and library in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi ALSO took 70 Freedom Kits over with them for the school girls.   Here are a few pictures, and a report of how the distribution went.  It's both heart-warming AND heart-breaking.  The need is SO great.

"Today was overwhelming -- a little traumatizing and a lot life-changing.  These amazing ladies helped me distribute a handful of [washable] feminine sanitary kits.  I was only able to bring 60-70 with me because of all the extra library baggage.  I so wish I could've brought 100 times that.  Even 6000 kits would only put a dent in the situation here.  I originally planned to distribute to teen girls.  However, when the UN distributes pads at camp, which is irregular and sparse, the priority is on school-aged girls.  However, there are thousands of young mothers just over 18, single mothers who need work, and women of all ages who will not/do not have access.  Feminine hygiene is simply a luxury they cannot afford.  So, we made the decision to pass these kits out to single mothers who have no access and no income--the most vulnerable.  When I come back, I will bring as many as we can raise funds for.  These kits help them stay in school and stay working.  ... Thousands of girls are left at home one week out of every month -- missing school... I am grateful for the donated efforts from small organizations like Freedom Kits of Yakima who believe in freedom of movement for women.  Their collective effort has made an impact here today.  They are amazing.  And so are the women I met who work their butts off to keep their families safe as they hope for resettlement or viable repatriation.  As word spread, we were mobbed.  I could feel the desperation rolling off my new friends.  They need these kits. ... "

You can watch these clips HERE and HERE to see these wonderful ladies and their kits :)