Helping create jobs for women in Zambia is essential to our mission.
The “God Given Gift Club” is a group of fifteen mothers with children at the Mama Bakhita Cheshire Home for disabled children, which many of you know the AACDP has been supporting for 12 years. The GGGC are now producing a well-made doll that comes in five skin tones, from light to dark, and the doll-makers are ready to take their work to the next level: running their own small business as a cooperative, with a managerial staff made up of Sydney Mwamba, Tina Manda, and Bernadette Musenge — all educated (with help from the AACDP) to do just this.
During the last three years this group has developed the skills to produce a well-crafted product, created a method of cooperative labor that works smoothly, and found local venues to sell dolls. This income has generated more stability for their families; they are able to pay rent, buy better food, and meet other challenges such as sickness or emergencies.
The goal of the Zambezi Dolls of Color Campaign is to sell dolls for a variety of prices, depending on the complexity of the doll. This is a fundraiser for helping these women to transition into running their business independently. After one year we hope the project will generate enough income to continue on its own.
Each doll is completely handmade; a one-of-a-kind treasure that any child will love to hug. The organic cotton doll material is hand-stitched, and the dolls are dressed in colorful, removable Zambian chitenge clothing. These dolls are meant for play, and no two are alike. They each have their own personality and Zambian name. We believe every child should have the option to play with a doll that has skin that looks like theirs.
To receive a doll, please donate $100, right here at the top of this page. Your address will show up on the PayPal notice to me. Or send a check to AACDP, POB 3000 PMB 3051, West Tisbury, MA 02575. We also welcome donations, of any size, toward this effort. Please forward this to others interested in promoting financial empowerment for women globally.
Together we can make it possible for these women run their business independently, while creating jobs for women.
Thank you,
Marsha Winsryg
Director, AACDP
