It's not just the students we are helping

Betty the ROA Seamstress. The room she sews in also serves as her
 bedroom. It is  maybe 8 by 10.

A little over 2 years ago, funded by the Juneau Alaska Rotary club, a sewing project was initiated for some of the moms at ROA school. The goal was to  give the moms skills to earn a living. We bought sewing machines, hired an instructor  and supplies purchased supplies.  The first project  to teach the ladies to make school uniforms.   Today, one of the women, Betty,  is using her acquired skill to make ALL the  uniforms for ROA children. She earns a set fee for each piece she makes.  She also takes in business from other schools from time to time. I asked her how sewing  has helped her.  She is the sole supporter of her  2 children who both attend Rock of Ages. She told me that  her life has been greatly improved. She can now feed and clothe her children as well as  contribute to school expenses for her children.   This mild mannered, gentle lady was so  grateful for this opportunity.

These dresses are for the older girls. They take about 4 hours to make,

These dresses for the smaller girls take about 7-8 hours. 

As a side note, the parents pay about 8 dollars for the children’s uniforms.  They are not covered by sponsorship money. This and other miscellaneous expenses  ( ex. each student must buy a ream of paper) help foster some responsibility for their child’s education. Betty gets a little over a dollar per  piece.  A boys shirt and shorts count as two pieces.  The school makes no money on the uniforms.  

Betty did not stop smiling. She spoke as much English as I did Lugandan. And we both laughed at our inadequacies.

Betty's son was playing with this innovative car in the door yard.