When we launched the Raven + Lily Stencil Collection in the Spring of 2014 it was with two goals in mind: to interpret Raven + Lily's chic global aesthetic into unique patterns for home surface decoration, and to help raise awareness and fund education for HIV+ women in the Entoto area of Ethiopia. This education includes health, parenting and life skills, and business training that helps transition them from a desperate situation into one of empowerment and purpose. We donate 20% of the sale from each stencil purchase from the Raven + Lily Stencil Collection to this worthy cause. As we have just launched 9 new fabulous stencil designs from Raven + Lily we thought it would be a good time to talk about what we've been able to accomplish so far. Read on to see how we've worked together with to help fulfill the mission of Tirzah International in Ethiopia....
Tirzah International explains: “The nation of Ethiopia is suffering from extreme poverty and HIV/AIDS. This deadly pandemic has left millions sick, homeless and destitute. Hundreds of patients are taken to Entoto Mountain to be cured by "special waters” or die. The majority of these are women with children. With no way to support themselves or their children, and little to live for, these needy women are without hope. Tirzah International is joining our local partner to minister to these destitute women and children. Our outreach ministry to them provides Bible teaching, prayer support, health care and education, school fees and supplies as well as micro-enterprise training and production of unique jewelry, spinning and weaving of cloth. Once too weak and discouraged to get out of bed each morning, these participants have new meaning, purpose and dignity. Hundreds of women and their children are benefiting from this outreach.”
The funds we have contributed in the last year and a half to the Tirzah International have allowed sixty women to graduate from The Women’s Empowerment Program-with thirty more just beginning the program in the Fall of 2015.
The program provides these HIV positive women with health screenings, medical care, personalized support, business training, parental skills training, health education, cotton-spinning machines, and tutoring and school supplies for their children.
These women, who had previously been earning a maximum of $1 per day, are now able to support themselves and their children.
We can share the stories of two inspiring women who have been through the Women's Empowerment Program funded by Raven + Lily Stencil Collection Sales. Read the story of Fayza and the story of Winta.
We are so grateful for the opportunity to have a direct and positive impact on the lives of so many women in need! If you would like to help contribute to this mission please consider shopping the Raven + Lily Stencil Collection for your next painting project, OR you can contribute directly to Tirzah International here.
Read more about our history with Raven + Lily:
