Time Waits For No One: Clocks And The Stories Of Women's Lives

At Carakana, vulnerable women are empowered through learning cross stitch.

Teddy Bears Clock (2018/2018) by AnneOriginal Source: Carakana

The Carakana intitative and the role of cross stitching

Carakana is a social enterprise which facilitates the transfer and preservation of indigenous skills and cross stitching, in production of quality handmade items for sustainable livelihoods and wellbeing of vulnerable groups. The works below share the stories of their creators.

Purple Flowered Clock (2018/2018) by RebeccaOriginal Source: Carakana

Less Worrying, More Stitching

"My name is Rebecca, currently incarcerated . I had a problem with diabetes and my pressure used to go up very high. But once I was introduced to cross stitch, my sugars and blood pressure dropped. This has been my therapy and I don't sit and worry. I am grateful to Carakana!" 

Blue Flowered Clock (2019/2019) by AnneOriginal Source: Carakana

Where There Is Life, There Is Hope

"My Name is Anne, I am currently incarcerated.  Through cross stitch I have been able to pay for my medical fees when I was admitted in hospital and also send some money for my child’s upkeep and school fees . My gratitude to Carakana!"

Swans Clock (2018/2018) by JaneOriginal Source: Carakana

Transformed Lives

"My name is Jane, currently imprisoned.  This project has helped me secure my children from roaming in the streets it has ensured that all my children’s needs are well taken care of. It has also helped me utilize my time better. Thank you Carakana ."

Jug and Tea Cup Clock (2019/2019) by MuthoniOriginal Source: Carakana

Better Living

"My Name is Muthoni, currently incarcerated.  Through cross stitching I have been able to pay for my medical fees when I was admitted in hospital and also send some money for my child’s upkeep and school fees . I really want to express my sincere gratitude to Carakana!"

Yellow Cartoon Clock (2019/2019) by RhodaOriginal Source: Carakana

Saving Grace

“My name is Rhoda and I am a recovering alcoholic at Haven Rehabilitation center.  Cross Stitching was introduced to us by the management and it has been my saving grace. It has relieved me of depression which I have been battling with for a while . Thank you Carakana!"    

Cartoon Relaxing Clock (2018/2018) by ElizabethOriginal Source: Carakana

A Friend in Need is A Friend Indeed

"My name is Elizabeth, currently I am incarcerated. The money I earn from this project helps me take care of my needs while in prison and those of my children back at home. I'm really grateful to Carakana for remembering us and enabling us to take care of our families."

Bicycle Clock (2018/2018) by MargaretOriginal Source: Carakana

Helping Hand

"My name is Margaret, I am imprisoned. The money that I have earned has gone a long way in helping me provide basic needs for my young child. I also take care of my medical bills while in here. Thank you so much Carakana." 

Bunnies Clock (2018/2018) by AnastaciaOriginal Source: Carakana

Hopeful Future

"My name is Anastacia. I am a person living with disabilities. I was paid for the work done and I used the money to boost my tailoring business that had been floundering. There is hope for the future and I am thankful to Carakana!"

Boy Sleeping on the Moon Clock (2018/2018) by MaryOriginal Source: Carakana

Making a Living

"My name is Mary, a mother of one living with a disability. Since joining I have been able to earn money that helped me to start my own business. Now, I am proud that I can earn a monthly income and take care of my son. Thank you Carakana!"

Pink Clock with Cartoons (2018/2018) by JudithOriginal Source: Carakana

The Sky Is The Limit

"My name is Judith, I am living with a disability and I am a mother of four. Carakana has helped me gain an income to support my children which was a struggle in the past. I have seen the results of diligence. I will soon start a business and I know the sky is the limit."

Clock with Strawberries (2019/2019) by SylviaOriginal Source: Carakana

New Beginning

“My name is Sylvia and I am a recovering alcoholic. Since cross stitch came here, it has become part of our therapy and I am so glad because it has changed my life. Stitching has calmed my mind and contributed to my recovery process. Thank you Carakana!”

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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