Good News from Senegal

Remember these ladies?  I posted about them here.  They're the Bayerena Group from Senegal.  These ladies live in the same region of Senegal and work selling tomatoes and hibiscus flowers and other small items in the market.  They came together in 2001 to form a solidarity group to support each other in their business.  Madame Kahady (raising her hand on the right) is the leader of the group.  She is 43 years old.  In a country where the average yearly income is $ 1,700 she is raising six children of her own and two more children who have been placed with her by relatives. 

I encountered this group through KIVA loans.  The group was asking for a loan of $2,000 to bolster capitol and improve their business.  KIVA is an organization that provides the tiny loans to people all over the world that can improve and change lives.  
Last year my $25 was pooled with other donations to make the loan.

Today I received an email with the good news that the loan was repaid in full and my $25  has been returned to me and is waiting in my pay pal account.  I have the option to withdraw my money, but I already know I will lend it again.

I'm really excited to visit the KIVA website, browse through the photos and descriptions, and select another group or individual to lend to.
If you're looking for a gift this holiday season for the person who as everything, or a way to do something small that can have a large impact on making the world a better place, this just may fit the bill.  Gift cards are available, too.  Yay, KIVA!. 

Reverse Painting on Glass in Senegal

Young Woman of Marrying Age

                                                     Mor Gueye, Reverse Glass Painting, 2002Searing Collection 

Who would think reverse painting on glass would be so popular in Senegal, but apparently it has a longstanding and rich tradition.  Portraits are popular subjects and so are scenes of everyday life.  

Above are the paintings of Mor Gueye  He is the internationally recognized master of the Senegalese art of reverse glass painting and his paintings are held by many public collections worldwide.  At age 77, Mor Gueye continues to run an active studio in Dakar, Senegal where his work is avidly sought by private collectors. 

This link leads to more of Mor Gueyer's reverese glass paintings and some background on the art form. 

Mor Gueye's web site http://www.mor-g.net/topic1/index.html.

And helpful hints if you would like to try your hand at reverse glass painting, click here.. 

I can imagine my middle school kids would love this process!

Bayerena Group

In this Group: Tourmane, Diarry, Khady, Fatou, Bintou, Dianke

I monetized my blog last month and the money is rolling in...well, not exactly ROLLING, but, at least, trickling in.  Lots of folks like their blogs to be ad-free, but I had an idea floating around in the back of my mind.  I'm happy to share with you today that I'm cycling my ad earnings through KIVA, and I selected these lovely young ladies of the  Byerena Group from Senegal to be the recipient of the first KIVA loan.   My $25 donation will be added into a pool with other donors.  The  Bayerena Group will use their loan to buy tomatoes and dried hibiscus petals to sell.  

When they repay their  loan, my money will be returned to me and I may withdraw my money or lend it again.