PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Dzidefo Women’s Cooperative is a small textile cooperative that was established in January 2008 under the guidance of volunteer Peta Hall. The cooperative operates out of the Ryvanz-Mia Orphanage and includes ten women from the Volta Region of Ghana who make toddler clothing, home accessories (such as laundry bags and cushion covers), and school uniforms for children in need.

The fabric used by the cooperative is pure Ghanaian cotton. It is locally designed and printed, using authentic traditional Ghanaian patterns and hand-dyed woodblock prints.

Donate a School Uniform

The cost of a school uniform is prohibitive for some parents, single mothers and orphan caregivers. The cooperative works closely with local schools and makes uniforms for the children who are most in need.

For $25 USD, you can purchase a school uniform for a needy child.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE DZIDEFO WOMEN’S COOPERATIVE

Women:

Volunteers with experience in sewing and design can assist as follows:

• Help create contemporary designs for toddler clothing and home accessories
• Teach sewing techniques
• Cut patterns and sew
• Textile production and pick up supplies

Business:

• Provide marketing and business skills and training
• Provide bookkeeping training

ACCOMMODATIONS AT DZIDEFO WOMEN’S COOPERATIVE

Housing

Volunteers with Dzidefo are hosted at Ryvanz-Mia Orphanage, on the second floor of the home (The orphans are not allowed on this floor.) There are five double-occupancy bedrooms with locks on all doors and mosquito nets on all beds.

At the end of the hall is a bathroom, which is only used by volunteers. The bathroom contains an indoor flush toilet and bathtub shower. Should there be a lack of water pressure, a reservoir of water and bucket are available in the bathroom for force flushing the toilet and bucket bathing in the shower.

Meals

All meals are prepared on-site by Mama Esi at Ryvanz-Mia, and there are three scheduled meal times.

Volunteers who have special dietary needs or food allergies should note their needs on their volunteer application so Village Volunteers can notify the Ryvanz-Mia staff in advance.

Drinking Water

Purified drinking water is provided for volunteers.

Electricity

There is electricity; however, there are frequent power cuts. It is recommended that volunteers bring flashlights, candles and matches.

Internet Access

The nearest internet café is approximately a 15-minute walk from the orphanage.

Laundry

For $30 USD per month, a volunteer’s laundry (clothing and bed linens) can be done once a week. All volunteers are asked to launder their own undergarments.