Our Women
We care about the women of Mozambique.
By learning how to crochet, our women have an opportunity to improve their lives and empower those around them.
Alzira
One of Alzira's favorite memories growing up was making teddy bears out of any material she could find. This allowed Alzira to quickly learn how to crochet, and it is now her main source of income. She also farms, and is proud of the large amounts of peanuts she harvests. Alzira hopes and prays that her opportunity with Athiyana remains consistent, so that she can continually support her family.
Rosa
Rosa has a lively and infectious spirit, bringing joy to those around her. She has been happily married for 27 years and has 7 children. When Rosa was a young girl, she taught herself how to sew with a small stick and whatever string she could find on the street. Her mission in life is to give all of her children the gift of education, because she does not want them to be limited. Rosa hopes to one day send at least one of her 7 children to college, so that they will be able to take care of the rest of the family.
Sita
Many of the other women at Athiyana have mentioned that Sita has recently lost weight, leaving her almost unrecognizable. Two of her twelve children passed away, and her husband left her for another woman, leaving her to raise their remaining family on her own. To lift her spirits, Sita has her children read the Gospel of Matthew to her. Due to the loss of her husband's financial support, Sita uses the money she is now making from Athiyana to support herself and her family. She hopes for better health, and to gain more weight.
Clara
Clara, 28 years old, has been living in the same home since she was born. She has two children, and would like to use the money she makes from Athiyana to buy them more clothing and food. Clara just began working with Heleen, and this opportunity has given her hope to provide for her family. Clara is very soft spoken, but lights up when talking about working or being a mother.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a 32-year-old mother of four. Because she is recently divorced, she and her children live with her brother. She desires to put her children through school with the money from Athiyana. Elizabeth has high expectations for her children -- she wants them to be teachers, nurses, or doctors. She also hopes to move out of her brother's house and build her own. She hopes that selling bags through Athiyana will help realize her dreams.