Zambia is one of the poorest countries in Africa. 80% of the population is unemployed. Even those who are able to learn a skilled trade have a difficult time finding work. At the Franciscan Friary in Ndola, local Zambians can learn to sew at a vocational tailoring school. However, most of the graduates there are unable to find employment. For them, it is a catch-22: jobs are scarce and those without jobs cannot afford to purchase their own sewing machines.
When we made our first trip to southern Africa in 2003, we had a local tailor make us some meditation pants. They were beautiful and comfortable. We loved them! In 2004, we stayed at the Franciscan Friary in Ndola and found out about their tailoring school. And so was born the Living Compassion Sewing Cooperative.
Living Compassion is partnering with the tailoring school to set up this sewing cooperative with the intention of providing more consistent employment in the community. The initial project has been the design and production of Living Compassion meditation pants using the local colorful and “chitenge” cloth. The local tailors receive a fair wage, and all the profits from the sale of these pants go back to fund Living Compassion’s work in Africa.
After we have developed a process to ensure a steady supply, these wonderful meditation pants will be available through Living Compassion at Keep It Simple .
Future items—including tote bags, children’s clothing, skirts, shirts, and other pants styles—are also being explored with the hope of expanding the program further and offering more jobs to more graduates of the tailoring school.
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