Hannah N.
Ruhango District, Southern Province
One of my favorite things to do in the
afternoon is to go to Mpanda village and basket weave. I have been going to the
home of Mama Deline since last October to visit and converse over brightly
colored thread, needles, and ibyatsi—long, dried strands of grass. We sit on
straw mats against her compound’s wall and share our daily goings-on with one
another, as well as with her two daughters, Lucy (age 11) and Deline (age 5). As
we weave together, Deline may spontaneously erupt into laughter, or Lucy will
look up at me, smile shyly, and return to her basket.
Sometimes, neighbors will join us,
proudly weaving and joyfully discussing any and all topics. Which, of course,
is the best part of these afternoons: sitting back and listening to a mother, her
friends, and her daughters talk amongst themselves. It is a beautiful thing, to
see love and friendship flowing between them in the form of conversation. There
is a strong bond created over this activity, and it is by no means secondary to
the income generated through the selling of the baskets. I admire these women
for their talent and their camaraderie; they use their skills to build
relationships AND to build their fortunes and lives.
Mama Deline, her children, and her
neighbors are affecting positive change in this community through a most
simple, and artful way. Together they form healthy relationships and earn the
respect of their peers and husbands for their ability to basket-weave. I am so
grateful to be a part of this pastime with these empowered ladies.
