The Red Basket Project
The Red Basket Project is a way for Red Drum Leaders to give back in a "Weave" of united sisterhood.
Traditionally baskets were made by women and used for gathering, and it is in the spirit of this gathering that the Red Basket project formed. As women working with women, leaders understand the importance of giving back and as such each leader donates a portion of money from each Red Drum made to helping other women.
At this time we have developed two ways of giving back:
The first way is is through the donation of funds that will allow woman from our communities that would like to make a Red Drum but may not be able to afford it herself, to have the opportunity to sit incircle and craft a drum. These funds will be funnelled and saved in a kitty that will be applied for through a simple and respectful application process that the leader herself will fill out on behalf of the student. Further to this Nikiah will provide these supplies at a wholesale cost so that more women may have the opportunity.
At this time we have developed two ways of giving back:
The first way is is through the donation of funds that will allow woman from our communities that would like to make a Red Drum but may not be able to afford it herself, to have the opportunity to sit incircle and craft a drum. These funds will be funnelled and saved in a kitty that will be applied for through a simple and respectful application process that the leader herself will fill out on behalf of the student. Further to this Nikiah will provide these supplies at a wholesale cost so that more women may have the opportunity.
Shanti Uganda:
The second way is through a "gathering" of money that each circle leader herself will donate to our chosen charity Shanti Uganda.
Nikiah has been working with Shanti since it's very beginning in many different capacities, on the board of directors, to volunteering and donating and finally now activating other women to gather so that our sisters get the health care they deserve during their birthing time.
Red Drum leaders, and any woman really, that feels inspired by the Red Basket Project and called to action can gather donation in whatever way they see fit, either by asking workshop participants by passing around the red basket or by donating a small portion themselves from the workshop, the choice is theirs and they donate directly to Shanti. All you need is a small red backet and a passion to share your abundance...
A little bit about what Shanti Uganda does:
Over 800 women around the world die during pregnancy and birth every day. 99% of maternal deaths occur in under resourced countries, half of those in sub-Saharan Africa. In Uganda alone, 16 women die during pregnancy and birth every - single - day. At least 14 of those deaths are preventable.
Shanti Uganda improves maternal & infant health throughout East Africa using a unique collaborative care model that utilizes registered Uganda midwives as primary care providers and Traditional Birth Attendants as labour support.
The Shanti Uganda Birth House is a solar powered maternity center on one acre of land in the Luweero District of Uganda and provides mother-centered care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
To Date Impact:
Over 1000 Births supported
7888 Antenatal visits
3682 Mothers and their partners tested for HIV
3212 Clients supported by prenatal yoga, nutrition, postnatal education classes
3053 Postnatal visits
1005 Family planning clients
438 Girls have attended Health Education workshops
This money will go directly from each circle leader to Shanti and depending on the amount pay for some of the following:
Examples of how far donations go:
$10 – Supports 4 Prenatal Classes for one Mother
$15 – Provides a monthly staff breakfast for Shanti Uganda’s midwives and Ugandan staff
$25 – Provides one week of fuel to operate Shanti Uganda’s emergency transfer ambulance
$30 – Supports one week of laboratory services
$50 – Supports one birth
$100 – Provides weekly prenatal yoga, prenatal & postnatal education workshops for an entire month
$200 – Pays for Medical Supplies for an entire week
Some circle leaders may choose to become a monthly Birth Partner donor, while others may donate a percentage each time they host a workshop by donating online, or even choose to pass a Red Basket around at their workshops, the choice is theirs.
We also have a facebook page if you wish to share stories and join.
Shanti Uganda in Action:
Shanti Uganda You Tube movie:
Images of Midwives, mothers and babies:
Shanti Uganda is a registered Canadian Charity (#819964412RR0001), a Ugandan NGO, and a Private Not-For Profit Medical Facility registered through the Ministry of Health in Uganda.