Programs & Projects

Quilting Skills Taught by Peekskill Resident in Rotary–funded Mozambique Sewing Project

by Carol Swanson

Two years ago Peekskill Rotary Club responded to the needs of the people of Metangula, Mozambique by funding the purchase of two sewing machines that would help the people of this southern Africa community achieve a greater sense of self-worth and a boost to their economy.

The village has no running water and is 120 kilometers from the nearest city. It also has no electricity. So when Garrison resident Maryknoll Missioner/Volunteer Patti Copeland requested Rotary funding to launch her new Metangula Sewing Project, the sewing machines needed to be treadle-type, which operators power by peddling with their feet. The project quickly became a success with guidance by Patti and the sewing talents of Johnny, a Metangula tailor.

Earlier this year, Carol Swanson of Peekskill joined Patti in her latest visit to Metangula, and augmented the sewing project by teachingquilting to a small group of women.

This is Carol’s project update:

Very few women have sewing machines in their homes, so they are thrilled to learn hand quilting and to use the sewing machines. And everyone who sees our project is amazed at the transformation of their local fabrics into quilted products. Peekskill Rotary Club’s support is very much appreciated.

A highlight of our latest trip was having the President of Mozambique come to Metangula. He officially opened a much needed new hospital building, and his arrival and departure from the newly renovated airport sparked a flurry of activity for our sewing project. We were asked to use our sewing products to decorate the airport!

If that weren’t enough, the President’s visit sparked interest in our products from several other people. All of the items used to decorate the airport were sold that day and now decorate an office in Cape Town, South Africa! We have increased our sewing group to twelve women, still led by Johnny while Patti and I are here in the states, because they are busy sewing and quilting 24 different items that will be decorating a new hotel located 120 km away!

Items such as place mats, table runners, hot pads, basket liners and full sized quilts add to the original items of oven mitts, tea cozies, and eye glasses cases. The needlecrafts of embroidery and crochet are taught to the girls and boys by two Sisters from Brazil. Their work is being designed and incorporated into several products of the sewing project.

Patti’s programs continue; the preschool program has expanded to include children’s play groups in homes, and a nutrition program for preschool children is beginning. Everyday 80 to 100 children look forward to the cultural enrichment made possible by the things in the learning center. Again, Peekskill Rotary Club’s contributions are integral to the development of these projects.

In the midst of all of these activities, Patti, an accomplished vocalist, always makes time to share her singing talents. “It was so much fun teaching a group of kids the Woodie Guthrie song, Bling, Blang, Hammer with My Hammer,” said Patti, “that we had to go caroling to various homes of the kids throughout the village. This led to an invitation for the kids to sing at the airport while the President visited! What a day of memories for the kids!”

Patti said every trip to Metangula was an adventure, and what an amazing journey it is. I was honored to be there.