Founded in 2011, Kuchinate, which means “to crochet” in the Eritrean language of Tigrinya, is a collective of over 300 of the most vulnerable asylum-seeking African women in South Tel Aviv. The women earn a fair wage by creating hand-made baskets that are sold in Kuchinate’s studio, as well as at venues throughout Israel.
Now, the economic, social, and health implications of COVID-19 are particularly punishing to the African asylum-seekers in Israel. With unemployment close to 70% and rising, and no access to unemployment or public health and social services, fears for food and housing security are rising.
But Kuchinate women are survivors -- of trafficking, domestic abuse, and torture. Undeterred, Kuchinate women have initiated this unique project to confront the current crisis.
Your donation of a doll can help them. By purchasing a doll, together we can:
- Generate income for vulnerable women -- 100% of your donation will go to an asylum-seeking woman for her work.
- Give a gesture of love to children of the community-- Most live in cramped conditions, with no computer or TV, and very few toys. A new and beautiful African doll that these children can relate to with pride can go a long way.
- Preserve the dignity of work while safe at home -- For women who have experienced trauma, keeping busy with therapeutic work is crucial during times of crisis.
There has never been a more important time to remember with compassion that “We Were All Once Refugees.”
