Empowering Widows – Bright Lights For Africa

ART OF BASKETRY

WIDOW BASKET WEAVERS

Raising Funds to Support Widows

After years of continuous war and turmoil, residents of North Kivu, in DR of Congo, continue to face poverty and food insecurity. In many homes, the breadwinner of the family was killed in war, and as such mother’s face the challenge of single-handedly providing necessities of life for their children. With our goal of empowering individuals to be self sustainable, BLFA launched Widow Basket Weavers Fundraiser to raise money to help widows purchase raw materials required for basket weaving, so that they can sell and have a steady source of income

Supply of Basket Weaving Materials to Widows

Following our fundraiser, we purchased and distributed raw materials required for Basket Weaving to 20 widows in North Kivu. In addition, each widow received boxes of non-perishable food items to help sustain their families as they re-built their business and source of livelihood. The women expressed joy for the raw materials received and were immensely grateful for the additional consideration of their basic need of nourishment. .

Widows Sell Baskets and Generate Income

With the resources provided by Bright Lights for Africa, the widows of North Kivu wove baskets and sold them within the province of North Kivu. With sufficient income gained through the sale of woven baskets, widows were able to pay their rent, provide food for their families and pay their kids school fees. At Bright Lights for Africa, we empower and create sustainable change for generations!