Our time in Ghana far exceeded our expectations in every way. We were able to purchase all the supplies for the 3 month session, participate in the opening program, spend significant amounts of time learning with and from the women and holding their babies as they worked, and plan for future sessions. We had just enough money to leave with Martha to construct a temporary structure in which she can hold classes. The church she attends gave her a section of land just next to the church for the center! Construction is now underway and should be complete in about a month. This would allow Martha to move classes from the current location of her rented room and landlady's unfinished home in order to have a more permanent location. The structure will basically be a roof to shelter an outdoor work area where both classroom instruction and "practicals" can take place. Eventually we will need to build an actual building, but for now this will do.
There are 15 women learning batik, tie and dye, soap making, pomade making, bead arrangement, hairdressing, and sewing on a daily basis in Gomoa. They will graduate at the end of March to make room for a new set of women. Amy and I will continue to be responsible for raising funds for each sessions supplies as well as the instructor's salaries. The profit made from the fabrics and soaps made during the training program will be saved and used as capital for the women as they graduate and start their own businesses.
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