The Butterfly Effect

I found this video on YouTube when researching for my brochure and I find it a wonderful video on menstruation, its taboos and being a female dealing with the challenges of cultural superstition and the often difficult experience of growing from a girl into a woman. It has such a beautiful message and portrayed menstruation in such a positive and welcoming way.  El mismo video para mis amigas hispano parlantes.

This week my siblings learned to sew and each made a dress. For having never sewn before, my brothers did very well.

On Saturday 21st I had my third workshop where we focused mainly on cutting bags, and sewing dresses. We made some progress and had a couple of girls learn how to sew. A troop from a neighboring Service Unit also came to help with my project. Troop 1670 from Pflugerville, TX First Time Sewer From Shift #2 First Time Sewer from Shift #1 Shift #1 Sewer Working on a Dress GS from Pecan Trail SU Since my latest workshop I have been sewing dresses and pads during my free time. I also have began to create embellishments such as fabric yo-yos and pockets for the dresses. Fabric Yo-yos for Embellishing Dresses

My second workshop was on Saturday May 31st, with three shifts in total. Usually the workshops are only 6 hours long, but on this occasion we had several passionate volunteers who stayed an entire hour more. The volunteers worked very hard and everyone was always engaged.  It was very exciting to see so many girls learn to sew. My cousin was among the volunteers who were sewing for the first time.  We made a lot of progress on everything. We now have 30 completed pads, thanks to Mrs. Pam who attended every shift and stayed the extra hour. It is nice to see people so willing and eager to help others, it is truly inspiring. During the workshop, the cutters in every shift have cut more fabric than was in my goal. In total of completed and cut dresses, we have 118 dresses! Although, 91 of the dresses are only cut. There are 27 dresses completely sewn. At my next work shop, on Saturday June 21st, we will be focused on sewing the cut dresses, completing pads, and cutting bags where the

On May 12, 2014 I was invited by Mrs. Harrison from Austin Regional Clinic to share my project with the OB/GYN doctors.     I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my project at the Austin Regional Clinic at Medical Park Tower- OB/GYN Office. It is nice to know that through my words others can be inspired to take action and help. Whenever I present my project, I draw inspiration by imagining the girls that will be benefited from my efforts, standing behind me. The more people that are informed of their needs, the more girls will stand behind me. They may not know who assisted in changing their lives in a positive way, yet will know that someone cared enough to help; that they are not alone. Mrs. Harrison Introducing Me to The Doctors I Am Delivering My Presentation

Thank you to the Ladies at the Rosary Ministry from my church St. Vincent de Paul for the fabric, underwears, and dresses that were donated for my project, "Little Dresses for Africa". Your generosity is most appreciated, I know the girls will love them. " "Be the change that you wish to see in the world."           —      Mahatma Gandhi Fabric Donated & Completed Dresses

Today was my first workshop and I am very proud of the volunteers who came and helped me make the dresses and pads. During a length of 2 hours we completed five dresses and two pads and cut fifty five pads, and twenty dresses. They are measured and ready to be sewn on May 31, the next workshop.    "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."            —      Mahatma Gandhi Table with Busy Volunteers Sewing Cutting with My Service Unit Director Cutting Station: My Family Working The First Completed Dress of The Day Dress Sizes: 8T, 10T, & 12T Dress Sizes: 2T, 4T, 5T, & 7T A Cute Completed Dress

Fabric Soon to be Washable Pads The Latest Donation    A Mix of Patterns A Wonderful Donation  Colorful Fabric                                 "To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer."                —      Mahatma Gandhi

Today I began to receive donations from several of my neighbors and some Girl scout leaders. I am grateful for the donations of fabric, because now I am able to make more dresses and washable pads. Thank you all for supporting my cause,  I truly appreciate it.

Just recently I attended my service unit's leader meeting and presented my project to them. The leaders all gave positive comments about my project and showed great interest. They are being very supportive and want to lend me a hand. I am grateful for their support and know with everyone's help we can help change the lives of many girls in Africa; together we can make a difference.

At the left is a bag I sewed that contains a washable pad and a few other items for a teenage girl. On the right is a full view of the dress I recently completed for a young girl.

Here is my first complete washable pad that has a matching drawstring bag. Within the bag is a travel-sized soap, a wash cloth, one-gallon size Ziploc freezer baggie, one pair of underwear, and two washable pads.

My project is in progress, I have completed the first dress. I hope my efforts inspire others to do great things. Overall making the dress was simple and I know with help we can change the lives of many young girls in Africa.

Hello everyone, my name is Sarah, I am a Girl Scout Cadette working on my Silver Award. My project is to make little dresses for young girls in Africa, and washable pads for the teenage girls there. I am currently working with an organization called “Little Dresses for Africa”. Did you know that teenage girls in developing countries skip up to 20% of school a year? Some even stop going to school altogether. This is because they don’t have proper sanitary pads to use and must use other resources such as leaves, mud, rags, newspaper, grass, etc. In the end, the girls must choose between humiliation of managing their period with no proper resources at school or stay at home. I have chosen this project because I believe nothing should prevent anyone from getting the education they deserve.  To make this project possible there will be two workshops, where adults and girls can help make the dresses and washable pads.  I will teach basic sewing to volunteers that need training. There will