Gambian Peace Corps Volunteer Applies for Micro-Grant

Allison Hoff is the the Health and Community Development Peace Corps volunteer working with the Njau Recycling and Income Generating Group. She just moved to Njau about a month ago after working in Kombo for 6 months with a support network of women with HIV/AIDS, and she is still adjusting to the community and village life, which Allison says, "Hasn't been very hard since everyone is so wonderful in Njau!"

Recently, Worldgoods informed her about the Project Good Micro-Grant Applications, and Allison promptly began the long trup back to the Peace Corps office to apply. Isatou Ceesay, Project Manager, and the group of women would like to use the money to purchase additional sewing machines and tailoring supplies for the center. "Tailoring classes are held weekly for members," said Allison, "but there are currently only 3 available sewing machines."

They will soon be starting a daily training program for 8 drop-out students (including 3 women who have never attended school), and the additional machines and supplies will be necessary to effectively train the students in tailoring. Miranda Paul, Worldgoods co-owner and founder, also met several of the women who were interested in expanding tailoring classes at the center on her visit to Gambia, West Africa this summer.

The Micro-Grants (up to $500 each) will be awarded based on public voting, which begins on November 20th at the Project Good Website. Worldgoods will be promoting the grant, as it is an important step toward sustainable development in a country that has been overlooked and underrepresented in the Fair Trade industry. Worldgoods Fair Trade is the first U.S. Co-op America member and FTF applicant to represent four artisan groups from this West African country.

Please check our website on November 20th for voting instructions and show Allison and the 69 women of Njau that you support them!