So anyway, Krochet Kids is pretty cool. For starters, I absolutely love that it's a not-for-profit organization originally started by 3 college-aged guys that had a passion for crocheting. Being an avid crocheter myself, I would've killed to have one of my college buddies teach me some pointers from a guys' point of view! And I'm sure my brother would have, too, being the sole recipient of all of my beginner hats... [sorry for the rainbow-colored, doll-sized beanies, Charlie]
So yes, for starters, kudos to these men for pushing gender stereotypes.
These 3 friends learned to crochet in high school, got nicknamed the "Krochet Kids" by their local newspaper, separated ways a bit in college, and later found themselves brought together after one member of the trio returned from a summer in Uganda...
He told his friends about the need for empowerment through employment. How amazingly cruel conditions were for these individuals living in poverty due to over 20 years of conflict and reliance on the government and other outside sources for aid. These young men saw the opportunity of taking their "small" hobby and turning it into something that would eventually change the lives of so many people in the region of Northern Uganda. A "desire to see Northern Uganda transformed by hook and yarn"...
[find out all the details of their story here!]
I am inspired by this organization because they took a simple, average, everyday skill and turned it into a literal lifesaver for individuals experiencing extreme poverty. Krochet Kids International is now helping more than "150 people in Uganda and Peru work, receive education, and be mentored toward a brighter future." [http://www.krochetkids.org/who-we-are/our-story/] They empower women with this skill, which instills in them a sense of empowerment and self-worth, all while creating an idea of a global community that I believe to be so necessary for success.
More reasons why I love Krochet Kids International:
- "Every product is hand signed by the person who made it."
- This video.
- THANK YOU, Akello Welsy
- The appreciation doesn't stop there! You can look up the woman that made your hat, learn a little about her, and immediately send her a thank you note. How. Cool.
- Design! Not only are the hats super stylish, but so is their website! Check it out: http://www.krochetkids.org/
- Did I mention it 3 college MEN who loved to CROCHET started it? Yeah...
Listen, I know it's mid-March and we're all getting spring fever, but buy a hat. I know I'm planning on finally treating myself to the highly versatile 5207.5 once my next pay check roles around...
