We are "Invited Guests!"

We started very early today - Tasha (one of the district coordinators for NAPHAM and our main contact) picked us up at 7:30am.  We were going to attend the launch of the SMS Real-Time treatment monitoring facility for Malawi and Tasha needed to get there early to help set up.  One of the mobile companies, Airtel, has joined a partnership with the Ministry of Health of Malawi, UNAIDS, NAC, NAPHAM, MANET+ and others to enhance information and communication via cell phone messaging.  The texting is free and it allows information to be gathered in a timely and easy manner, so that problems can be solved and data can be collected.  The ED (executive director) of NAPHAM, Master Mphande, had invited us during our meeting earlier this week.

What we didn't realize was that we were going to be on the stage with the dignitaries.  What an opportunity to promote Knit Around the World!  Here's a picture of the dignitaries arriving. Among them: the Director of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Dr. Frank Chimbwadira, UNAIDS Country Coordinator, Ms. Amakobe Sande, and Executive Director, NAC (National AIDS Commission), Mr. Davie Kalomba.  As you can tell, I am making sure I am spelling the titles and names correctly here.

Kelly handed out business cards to the three of them and Ms. Sande was kind enough to inquire further about Knit Around the World.  It was a great experience.  In between speeches, there were singing, dancing, and drama group performances. 

Then, straight from there to visit the Chigwirizano group.  This was our last visit with them on this trip and that always means it's time to buy items to sell back home.  They are a new group for us, so we also had a sign made for them to help promote the group and their merchandise.  Here's the lovely Jane, posing with the sign and the group.  Kelly always makes me look good!

They have taken Kelly's ideas for new patterns and items and have been working hard.  We bought 20 knitted bracelets...

20 small purses, 11 headbands and 1 tie.

The money that they make now will go to buying more yarn, as well as supporting the group as a whole - with food, transport and other things as decided by the group.  Two more groups to visit before we leave on Saturday!