· An Outreach Program · Being part of the solution...

	Sewing Center: December 2007
Single Moms Sewing Center

“WORKING TOGETHER TO EMPOWER SINGLE MOTHERS IN NICARAGUA!“

Introduction
A. Background
B. Rational
C. Making it Happen

The purpose of this summary is to acquaint sponsors with the “SINGLE MOMS SEWING CENTER” project. To first understand why World Kids Foundation has elected to take on this responsibility, let us try to explain “What is Poverty” before we answer a few other questions.

Click the Tabs above for more information as outlined below:

A. Background...
	1. What is Poverty? 2. Where is San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua? 3. What is the present economy in San Juan Del Sur?
B. Rational...
	1. Why set up the Sewing Center in San Juan Del Sur? 2. Who will supervise expenditures? 3. How many women will the Sewing Center employ? 4. Why do single mothers need a sewing center?
C. Making it happen...
	1. Where will the material come from? 2. What kind of product will the sewing center manufacture? 3. What can we do to get involved? 4. Cost analysis per sewing station.

1. What is Poverty?

Poverty is hunger. Poverty is lack of shelter. Poverty is being sick and not being able to see a doctor or purchase medication. Poverty is not being able to go to school, or having a job, its fear for the future, living one day at a time. Poverty is losing a child to illness brought about by unclean water or sanitation. Poverty is powerlessness, suppression, lack of representation and isolation. It is the most horrible suffering in the world! Mahatma Gandhi said “Poverty is the worse form of violence”. The UN reports that over 940 million people (almost one-sixth of the world’s population) live in abject poverty!

2. Where is San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua?

San Juan Del Sur is a small coastal community located in southwestern Nicaragua. Estimate coordinates are 11`15.14 N and 85`52.54W. If you look at a map you will find San Juan Del Sur on the West Coast, near the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

3. What is the Present Economy in San Juan Del Sur?

The primary industry remains to be fishing and farming. Fish stocks have been in decline during the past few years resulting in the closure of the only fish plant. Low production and high prices have affected the fishing industry. Subsistent farming is also prevalent in the region. Farmers work small plots of land and sell their harvests to the local markets. Chief crops include frijoles, plantains and corn. The surrounding land is steep and unforgiving. Unlike larger more sophisticated fincas (farms) where water is supplied by pipelines, subsistence farmers are strictly dependent on Mother Nature’s temperament. Recent efforts have been made to develop a tourist based economy in hopes of attracting foreign investment to the region to help offset the decline in the other limited resources.

1. WHY SET UP THE SEWING CENTER IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR?

Next to Haiti, Nicaragua is the poorest nation in the hemisphere. Poverty is prevalent throughout the country. World Kids Foundation has focused efforts in southern Nicaragua prior to Hurricane Mitch in 1998. World Kids Foundation has a base in San Juan Del Sur and is strategically positioned in a region conducive to marketing the product manufactured by the sewing center.

2. WHO WILL SUPERVISE EXPENDITURES?

World Kids Foundation will oversee expenditures incoming and outgoing. World Kids Foundation is a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that has been working actively with schools, medical missions and outreach programs in Central America since 1995. Progress reports and weekly updates are posted at www.worldkidsvoyage.org

3. HOW MANY WOMEN WILL THE SEWING CENTER EMPLOY?

At full production, the sewing center will provide employment for over 40 women. To do so, 20 sewing stations need to be established. (two shifts daily at 6 hours each). A showroom will display merchandise for retail. It will be staffed by another 4 persons.

4. WHY DO SINGLE MOTHERS NEED A SEWING CENTER?

Single moms need jobs!! They need self sufficiency, dignity and independence! Single mothers are the hardest workers in society. Looking after children is not an easy task. Doing so alone is worse. Single mothers in developing nations do not have access to social or welfare benefits. Rising above poverty is extremely difficult if not impossible. Job opportunities are scarce and when they do become available, they are almost always filled by men. In order to get to the core of third world issues and begin to solve global problems, women need to be empowered with growth and opportunity. The SINGLE MOMS SEWING CENTER is one way of providing woman with new skills, education and on the job training.

1. WHERE WILL THE MATERIAL COME FROM?

Manual / electric sewing machines will be purchased in Rivas, Nicaragua. San Juan del Sur is 2 hours away from the capital city of Managua. Cardenas is 30 minutes from San Juan Del Sur. Fabric will be purchased wholesale from the central markets in Managua. The main product line will be clothing. Other items such as kites and tents can be made using recycled sail cloth donated on behalf of yacht clubs in Canada and the USA. A work site has been chosen in Cardenas where electricity and infrastructural support is available.

2. WHAT KIND OF PRODUCT WILL BE MANUFACTURED?

Product to be manufactured will include children’s clothing, school uniforms and summer wear. (2) Native traditional costumes, embroiders, delantels. (3) Fashionable apparel for tourists. (4) Flags, stunt kites, wind socks and decorative wind chimes with a Nicaraguan theme. Items will be made for local retail and foreign markets. The marketing name for the sewing centers product line is Nica-Nativa, which proudly means Native-Nicaragua.

3. WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET INVOLVED?

$140	Manual sewing machine (delivered).
$200	Lease per month on the rental building. Each machine will contribute to one months rent at start up until the sewing center is fully operational and producing product.
$200	Per station will be dedicated to building up the inventory of fabric and material.
$100	Per station will be allotted for sewing tools.
$100	Per station per month to be allotted for woman’s salary at start up until the sewing center is fully operational and producing product.
$200	Per station per month for electricity, gas, water, utilities, transportation, shipping

$940	Per sewing station at start up

Contact Information

Nicaragua Project Director Eric Blackburn eblackb@earthlink.net CDN: 250-464-4131 NICA: 011-505-8979-7589
Contributions may be made by Cheque or On Line
In Canada:	In the U.S.A
World Kids Foundation 120-C 17th. Ave. South Cranbrook BC Canada V1C 3A5	World Kids Foundation PO Box 839 Dana Point, CA 92629
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Single Moms Sewing Center