As we sought to start to work in Roma community, Beth Latsa, wife of our Regional Field Leader came up with the idea of a knitting project as a “Seed Project.” What started as an entry way into the community has become the bedrock of our work. From this one project, GHNI has built credibility and trust with members of the community. Most of our other works from from this knitting project, that continues to grow.

Although this project started as a knitting project, it has involved into much more. One of the main benefits is the money that the women earn. Because of cultural barriers, most women seldomly leave their neighborhood, even spending the majority of the day in their home. Getting a job outside the home is not realist among this population. Women use the skills they already have (Turks are excellent knitters) to earn money. For most, this is the first time they have made money in their life. At the bi-weekly meetings, our staff Basak conducts a form of TCD lessons. From this we have started to work with both school aged children and the vulnerable youth.