Knitting for AIDS Orphans
Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.
You may have heard of the AIDS epidemic in Africa. It is such a tragedy especially because so many parents are dying of AIDS and leaving their children with no one to take care of them. It is estimated that there are 14.8 million orphans in sub-saharan Africa. 1.9 million live in South Africa. So many sweet, innocent babies with no parents! It makes me sad to think about them.
There may not be anything we can do to stop the spread of AIDS, but there is something we can do for the children: knit for them. KASCare is an organization in South Africa that collects knitted squares and sews them up into blankets for the orphans. You might not think it gets cold in South Africa, but it does! I was there for the World Cup in 2010, and the temperature got down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit at night. I wore a hat and mittens every night. And remember, these children don't have heaters. A blanket would be a very nice gift for them. Not only will it keep them warm, but it will let them know that someone in the world cares about them.
- What
Knit one 8" square, and then knit another one, and another one . . . You don't have to make the whole blanket. KASCare will put all the squares together for you. But you can send as many squares as you can make. - How
If you don't know how to knit, the best way to learn is to have someone teach you in person. Here is a how to knit tutorial to get you started, but try to find an experienced knitter to help you. - Where
Mail your finished squares to this address in South Africa:
Knit a Square Soweto Comfort Club
Private Bag X900
Bryanston 2021
South Africa - When
Anytime. Right now!
Think how cool it would be to get a whole group of people all knitting squares. Talk it up and start a knitting club at your church or Scout troop. Ask your principal if you can start a club at school where kids knit during recess or after school. Knitting is really fun, AND you will be doing something to make the world a better place!
Leave a Comment and let us know if you are a knitter, and if you are inspired to help the AIDS orphans.
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I know how to knit a little. I don't know how to make the shape of underarms and neck parts but I can definitely make squares.However, I'm not a kid. :( I'm an adult.I think my daughter is still too little(7) to learn though. I might do this on her behalf. :)
Comment #26 | Posted by: Mady on February 25, 2012 at 12:16 PM
Hi,I think it's sweet how you are actually giving suggestions on making the Earth a better place. I'm thinking of creating a club where kids will be inspired and hopefully will help with changing people's lives, and saving the world.
Comment #27 | Posted by: SM on February 26, 2012 at 07:33 PM
This is a really good thing you guys are doing. Good luck!!
Comment #28 | Posted by: Jeremiah on March 01, 2012 at 09:19 AM
we need to protect twilight people from harry potter fans!
Comment #29 | Posted by: Dawn on March 01, 2012 at 06:38 PM
This is an awsome idea! I'll start right away!
Comment #30 | Posted by: jilly7 on March 04, 2012 at 06:02 PM
i need help
Comment #31 | Posted by: danboo on March 16, 2012 at 04:32 PM
me and my daughter are going to learn this weekend... this is going to great fun!!!
Comment #32 | Posted by: H on April 12, 2012 at 01:57 PM
That is sooooooo sad i want to make witch i am going to make a blanket!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment #33 | Posted by: Ashley on April 12, 2012 at 02:14 PM
you can crochet too! My mum looked it up so all you crocheters can help to! :)
Comment #34 | Posted by: savetheworld on April 12, 2012 at 03:21 PM
borrowing my grandma's kitting equipment.I guess I'm going to have to record that new episoide of american idol!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment #35 | Posted by: candycheery14 on April 12, 2012 at 08:04 PM
This sounds like a great thing to work on! Out of curiosity (and because my parents want to know) how much is the postage? Do any of the mods know?
Comment #36 | Posted by: aquabooks99 on April 12, 2012 at 08:36 PM
Who wrote this book?
Comment #37 | Posted by: cheeseburgerdance7 on April 13, 2012 at 02:06 PM
You know everybody deserves the same thing as everybody else.This is great.
Comment #38 | Posted by: kyjk on April 14, 2012 at 12:43 AM
Hi my sister knows how to knit i'll ask her but if I did know I WOULD LOVE TO HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment #39 | Posted by: athenaflying4 on April 14, 2012 at 09:54 AM
what's AIDS?
Comment #40 | Posted by: fearlessangel101 on April 14, 2012 at 01:49 PM
I am really sorry for them poor little kids: I always send them clothing and I am going to knit them a whole blanket
Comment #41 | Posted by: FASHIONPINK301 on April 14, 2012 at 05:07 PM
I am so gonna learn how to knit! Poor kids.
Comment #42 | Posted by: arcadeastronomy5 on April 14, 2012 at 05:36 PM
It is a great idea. The picture is so sad!!
Comment #43 | Posted by: butterflyangel87 on April 14, 2012 at 08:41 PM
That is a great idea, can't wait to start.
Comment #44 | Posted by: no1chocolategateau on April 15, 2012 at 10:46 AM
that is an awesome idea! i can't wait to start!
Comment #45 | Posted by: Animallover101 on April 15, 2012 at 12:28 PM
I will do that
Comment #46 | Posted by: akieautumn on April 15, 2012 at 03:53 PM
Sweet!
I should do that!
Comment #47 | Posted by: bestbeater on April 15, 2012 at 07:57 PM
I think I already have some blankets just sitting around that I've knitted before. I'm totally sending them over!
Comment #48 | Posted by: dizzyferret on April 16, 2012 at 12:12 PM
@dawn how is the hp vs. twilight debate relevant to aids orphans in africa? You might want to try the buzz board if you want to debate this...
Comment #49 | Posted by: aquabooks99 on April 16, 2012 at 01:51 PM
OH, poor little guyz. I'm sending a mass e-mail to all my contacts to see if they can help!! ;D
Comment #50 | Posted by: orangephoenix13 on April 17, 2012 at 06:53 PM