Tumaini Fund Canada

Personal Care Kits

Courtesy of the DaysforGirls Organization

For the girls in our care

Tumaini Fund

Personal Care Kits ( P C K ' s for easy reference)

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Page 1: G u i d e to Personal Care Kits

Page 2: B a c k g r o u n d and photo of P C K contents

Pages 3 & 4 H o w the Washable Kits W o r k

Pages 5-8: Instructions for m a k i n g the S H I E L D S

Pages 9-12: Instructions for T R I - F O L D L I N E R S

Pages 13-15: Instructions for D R A W S T R I N G B A G S

Page 16: A s s e m b l i n g the Personal Care Kits

Page 17: Instructions how to use the kits

I

Tumaini Fund Canada:Persona[ Care Kits We are very grateful to be linked with the DaysforGirls Organization and to be allowed to use their kit design in supplying these personal caTe kits for use by o u t Tumaini girls and women. These kits have been developed over many years with feedback from thousands of grateful useTS and we appreciate the guidance and information provided on the DaysforGirls website.

T H I S G U I D E

This guide has been assembled as an introduction to the Personal Care Kits and as an instruction manual for those wishing to start making the kits. The guide includes:-

> Background information on Tumaini's need for these kits i n Kagera.

> A n overview of how the kits work/ and the kit contents.

^ Pictorial guides on making the three main components of the kit/ the shields, tri-fold liners and the drawstring bags.

Patterns and instructions from the DaysforGirls website.

> Instructions on kit assembly.

^ Pictorial instruction sheet to explain how to use these kits.

We trust you will find these instructions helpful.

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P e r S O n a l C a r e KitS Or PCK'S (Courtesy of DaysforGirls Organization)

Background Information Every month, our Tumaini sponsored school girls lose several days schooling because they have no sanitary products available to them, and they are frustratingly confined to their homes, watching others go off to school whilst they are missing vital days of education.

Tumaini has linked with an amazing international organization called DaysforGirls which has developed an "easy to make" kit which is being used all over the world in developing countries. The kits are made by volunteer groups worldwide, and donated to be used where needed.

Tumaini Guernsey is now connected with the DaysforGirls group in the UK who are supplying these kits for future container shipments from Guernsey to Kagera. Tumaini in Guernsey has also set up a group to make these kits, and will introduce them to our sponsored girls and women. The plan is eventually to have workshops for the women in Kagera so that these Personal Care Kits can be made there. Here in Canada, our Tumaini Crafters are making these kits in addition to the clothing, blankets and other items being made.

The design of the washable kit is the result of feedback from thousands of women and girls and is held in a bright and colourful drawstring bag, which is stylish and comfortable to carry to school.

Small bar of soap

With propeT care, each kit w i l l last up to 3 years/ and i t will provide a girl w i t h an

extra 8 months of education/ health/ safety & dignity-

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P e r S O n a l C a r e KitS Of PCK'S (Courtesy of DaysforGirls Organization)

HOW THE WASHABLE KITS WORK The two main components of the kits are the SHIELDS and TRI-FOLD liners. Both are made

of bright and cheerful colours which hide stains that may remain after washing.

SHIELDS: These are made of soft cotton with a moisture barrier centre (PUL), and they wrap

around a pair of panties and are held in place with a plastic snap. They also have 2 pockets to

hold the liners in place.

SHIELDS

TRI-FOLD LINERS: These liners are made of absorbent flannel, and each liner is an 8j inch square with a central rectangular panel 8| x 5| inches. When folded in three, they form a 6

layer pad, and the two thinner ends tuck neatly into the pockets at each end of the shield to

hold the liner in place. A single liner can be used, or two liners together for extra absorbency

when needed. The liners lay against the body, hence the need for the best quality soft and

absorbent flannel.

DRAWSTRING BAGS: The most visible part of the kits. Made of sturdy cotton or cotton

blend in bright and cheerful patterns, these bags will be an accessory carried by the girls to

school, and will discretely contain their essential kits.

PANTIES: Only one pair is provided, so good quality is essential. Preferred are cotton or

cotton blend briefs in bright patterns or colours and any style except thongs are welcome in

Girls sizes 10,12,14,16. Continue on next page

4 Continued from previous page

ZIPLOCK«BAGS: Two bags are provided in each kit. These should be heavy duty 26.8 cm x

27.3 cm or one-gallon size. They are durable and effective for carrying soiled items and

soaking and laundering with very little water.

Pack all the kit items into one of the Ziploc© bags before placing it into the draw string bag.

(Squish out as much air as possible and the bag will be quite flat for shipping.)

WASHCLOTH: Preferably any bright colour and of medium or light thickness for fast drying.

SMALL SOAP BARS: Optional for inclusion in the kit, as heavy to ship. Future plans will be to

purchase soap bars locally in Kagera.

TWO SAFETY PINS: Just in case the shield snaps fail, these pins will extend the kit life.

INSTRUCTION SHEET: A brief pictorial on how to use the kits.

CARING FOR THE SHIELDS * LINERS:

By using a Ziplock bag, the soiled liners can be soaked in very little water (even gray water

from a previous wash). After soaking, the water is drained away in a latrine or appropriate

location and then the shields and liners are easily washed with the bar of soap provided.

They dry quickly and simply look like a hankie drying in the sun.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US PROVIDE THESE VITALLY NEEDED KITS

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P e r S O n a l C a r e KitS Or PCK'S (Courtesy of DaysforGirls Organization)

S H I E L D S Fabric; Should be soft 100% cotton (Quilters quality): Pre-washed. Bright and colourful as possible

Flannel can be used, but it is bulkier and hotter to wear Scissors: Recommended a large & small pair, or a rotary cutter

Sewing Machine: Straight stitch only required for shields PUL Layer: (Poly Urethane Laminate Fabric). Essential waterproof layer: Washable: Breathable: Non-Toxic

Can be purchased from Joann Fabrics, Fabric.com, Ebay or DfG at pul@daysforgirls.org NOTE: Do NOT pierce PUL with pins, except at the edges within the seam allowance

Pattern Cutting out: NOTE: Cut out carefully so all pieces match the patterns exactly

Shield: Use the shield pattern recommended. Cut 2 pieces of cotton fabric Cut 1 piece of PUL fabric

Pocket: Use the pocket pattern recommended. Cut 2 pockets. Or cut 2 pieces of cotton fabric 5"x 4 *A "and fold in half to make 2 pieces each 2 Vi "x 4 Vt"

SEWING: Please follow these steps exactly to ensure the PUL waterproof side is correctly placed. 1: Take 1 piece of cotton shield, mark the front & back, with a 2" baste line (or marker pen).

- 2: Place shield pieces together with right sides facing, and baste line on top facing you. - 3: Place the 2 pockets between the fabric pieces, lining up edges with folded edge facing the centre. - 4: With sewing machine, baste the two opposite corners to hold pieces sandwiched in place. - 5: Lay the PUL on the work table, shiny side up. Take the sandwich pieces and lay this over the PUL,

with baste line uppermost facing you.

Continued on next page

6 Continued from previous page

6: With sewing machine, again baste the two opposite corners to hold pieces in place. 7: With some sewing machines it is better to turn the shield over so that the PUL side is uppermost facing you, before doing step 8: 8: Sew around each side of your sandwiched pieces, 1/4" from the edge, leaving both ends open.

9: Trim the seam allowance to 1/8". Snip carefully into the curves. 10: Turn inside out, by inserting your fingers through one open end - between the shield and PUL on one side and the shield and pockets on the second side - pulling the fabric through. The baste line should be on the same side as the pockets. Pull both ends tightly to flatten neatly. You wi l l now have two open ends with raw edges. 11: Iron flat. This is an important step in making a nice shield.

12: Stitch across both raw ends 1/4" from the raw edges. 13: Trim each end with a curved angle at each side corner. 14: Invert the pocket - gently pushing out the corners with fingers only - careful not to poke a hole. The baste line side is now on the bottom. 15: Iron flat again. 16: Top stitch all around the edge 1/8" from the finished edge, back-sewing at stress areas where the pocket is joined. 17: A final iron, and you have a beautifully sewn shield.

LAST STEP IS TO INSERT THE SNAPS THAT HOLD THE SHIELD IN PLACE: Recommended are Kamsnaps Size 20 for hygiene, comfort and longevity.

Pocket Placement i

Cut 2 Pieces of Cotton to this line for Pockets

Days for Girls1 International Standard Sljield Pattern Regular Shield Cut 1 PUL Cut 2 Cotton

1/4" Seam Allowance Included i i i i

_

Regular Liner (Absorbant Fabric) Cut 1 - 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" Cut 1 - 8 1/2" x 5 3/4"

Postpartum Shield: lengthen pattern at one end by 2 1/2"

Postpartum Liner Cut 1 - 12" x 10 1/2" Cut 1 - 12" x 7 1/2"

Lengthen here for Postpartum Shield

Pocket Placement

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Instructions for the Shield These instructions are for the Standard Shield Pattern.

Step One: Glue your template onto heavy

cardboard or trace onto heavy template plastic and cut out

Make a second template of just the pocket piece.

Step Two: Using your template cut shield bodies

out of cotton fabric—tessellate to get as many out of the fabric and PUL as

possible.

Tessellation Example

Step Three: Cut or gently tear a strip of fabric 6" x the width of the fabric (usually 45"). Iron the wrong sides together so that you will now have a long skinny piece

3"x45".

6"x width of fabric

Folded down to 3"

Step Four: Place the straight edge of the pocket piece template onto the fold and cut. (The pocket pieces are a double layer

for better wear).

Line pocket edge on fold tiixzxzzzzzxizissxzzTrrxzixxzxxxxz

A NOTE ABOUTPUL Polyurethane laminate or PUL

is the waterproof layer in your shield. It can be found at Joann Fabrics, Fabri.com and

other fabric stores in the diaper making second. The color doesn't matter as the

PUL is sandwiched between two layers of fabric of

•>< M M M H M

M

M H H M

B M M M M M I M M M M

www.DaysforGirls.org Shield Tutorial info@daysforgirls.org

P e r S O n a l C a r e KitS Or PCK'S (Courtesy of DaysforGirls Organization)

TRI-FOLD LINERS The tri-fold design is absorbent, rinses with very little water, is fast drying and doesn't look like a pad when drying. All important features for usage in Kagera.

Fabric: Should be soft, absorbent flannel. Pre-washed. Bright and colourful as possible to minimize stains showing.

Tools: Scissors. A cutting board & rotary cutter are useful for long fabric lengths.

Sewing Machine Fabric raw edges should be finished with a serger, zigzag or turned or Serger: under and straight stitched.

******************************************

TRADITIONAL METHOD - 1 liner at a time CUTTING OUT FABRIC:-If using a serger: For the liner body, cut a square of flannel 8 % "x 8 Vfe "

For the central strip "hot zone", cut a rectangle of flannel 8 % "x 5 % "

If using only a Sewing Machine: Add an extra W on all sides to allow for a W hem The liner body will then be 9 "x 9" The "hot zone" will then be 9"x 6 1/4"

SEWING:-Using a serger and sewing machine:

- 1: Serge both long 8 Wraw edges of hot zone strip: - 2: With liner body face up, place hot zone strip across, also face up.

3: Zig-zag the hot zone down on both long edges. - 4: Serge around all four raw edges of the body, catching the hot zone.

Using only sewing machine: - 1: Turn under and stitch a Whem on both long 9"raw edges of hot zone strip.

2: With liner body face up, place hot zone strip across, also face up. 3: Zigzag the hot zone down on both long edges.

- 4: Turn under a %"hem around all four raw edges of the body, and catching the hot zone, zig-zag around.

Y O U H A V E N O W C O M P L E T E D O N E L I N E R :

REPEAT THE PROCESS AS EACH KIT CONTAINS 8 LINERS.

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Continued on next page

10 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Continued from previous page

SPEED PIECING METHOD - Many liners at a time CUTTING OUT FABRIC:-Using a serger: For liner body, cut strip of flannel 8 ¥2 "x length of fabric (90" or 2 % yds)

For "hot zone", cut a rectangle 5 % "x length of fabric (90" or 2 % yds) If using a Sewing Machine: Add an extra Yz to allow for a Y* hem on all sides Liner body will be 9 "x 90" "Hot zone" will be 6 % "x 90"

SEWING:-Using a serger and sewing machine:

1: Serge both long 90" sides of both strips (liner body and hot zone): - 2: With liner body face up, place hot zone face up, down the centre of the wider body strip. - 3: Zig-zag or straight stitch the hot zone down on both long edges. - 4: Cut the long strip into 8 %" squares (approx. 10 liners from 90" or 2 Yz yds of fabric)

5: Serge the raw edges of each liner body, and trim the thread.

Using only sewing machine: 1: Turn under and stitch or zigzag a % "hem on the long 90" sides of both strips (liner body and hot zone). 2: With liner body face up, place the hot zone strip, also face up, down the centre of the wider body strip.

- 3: Zigzag the hot zone down on both long edges. - 4: Cut the long strip into 8 Yz" squares (approx. 10 liners from 90" or 2 Yz yds of fabric)

5: Turn under and stitch or zigzag a YA "hem on the raw edges of each body. Trim the thread.

YOU HAVE NOW COMPLETED THE LINERS: With careful cutting, you will get 3 wide and 3 narrow strips from a 2 % yard piece of flannel, enough for 30 finished liners.

Liners flat for washing & drying Liners tri-folded for insertion into shield

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Tri-Fold Liners (Traditional Method)

The t r i - fo ld liner was created to use as l itt le water as possible to wash, to dry quickly and to be stacked for maximum absorbency. The liner was deliberately designed to look more like a washcloth than a traditional pad for modesty when hung to dry. I t includes a "hot zone" across the center of the liner. When the liner is folded, the center has six layers while the less bulky ends go into the shield pocket.

Step One: Cut an 8 V2 " x 8 W square of flannel.

This is the "body" of your liner.

8 W x 8 W

Liner "body"

Step Two: Cut a 5 %" x 8 W rectangle of flannel.

This is the "hot zone" of your liner.

5 %" x8%"

Hot Zone

Step Three: W i t h the liner body face up, place the

hot zone across it , also face up.

Step Four: Zig-zag the hot zone down on both long edges—if you have a serger, you should serge the raw edges of the hot zone before you attach i t .

Hot Zone

Step Five: Serge or zig-zag all four raw edges on the body, catching the hot zone.

Repeat the process as each k i t requires 10 liners!

www.DaysforGirls.org Tri-Fold Liner Tutorial info@daysforgirls.org

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Tri-Fold Liners (Speed Piecing Method)

Step One: Cut or carefully tear a strip of

flannel 8 W x 90" (2 % yards)

8 W x 90" (2 % yards)

Step Two: Cut or carefully tear strips of flannel

5 3 / 4 " x 9 0 " ( 2 ^ y a r d s )

[ 5 3/ 4"x90"(2%yards)

Step Five: Cut the strips into 8 Vi squares

(you should get 10)

Step Three: Serge both long sides on

all of your strips j$ftpkm+*Hi't<A'l?*\(*t+fl ' M W X W C A j ^ » V u v * *

8 W x 90" (2 Vl yards)

5 %" x 90" (2 % yards) J

Step Four: Place the narrow strip of flannel

(the hot zone) down the center of the wider strip and stitch down.

Both strips should be face up.

Hot Zone

Step Six Serge all of the raw edges the 8 W

squares and t r i m thread.

i • >

Hot Zone •

* *

;

NOTE: If you cut your strips carefully, you will get 3 wide and 3 narrow strips out of a 2 V2 yard piece of flannel—

enough for 30 finished liners.

www.DavsforGirIs.org Tri-Fold Liner Tutorial info@daysforgirls.org

13 P e r S O n a l C a r e KitS Of PCK'S (Courtesy of DaysforGirls Organization)

D R A W S T R I N G B A G S These bags are designed for girls to discretely carry their kits to school. With comfort, style and durability, they will be a girl's accessory for up to 3 years. FABRIC: Should be a sturdy cotton or cotton blend. Bright and cheerful pattern. DRAWSTRING: Cord or twill tape: Sturdy and comfortable to use.

TOOLS: Scissors or a cutting board & rotary cutter for longer fabric lengths. SEWING MACHINE Fabric raw edges can be finished with a serger, or zigzag, or turned or SERGER: under and straight stitched.

BAG SIZE: Finished bag will be 10" x 12" *A*AAAAAA**AAAAAAAAAAAAA***A*A*A*AAAAA****

CUTTING OUT TRADITIONAL METHOD - IBagatatime CUT FABRIC: Cut out 1 piece of fabric 28" x 11" CUT DRAWSTRINGS: Cut 2 pieces of cord 36" long

SPEED METHOD - 4 Bags at a time Start with fabric 45" in width and cut a piece 28" long CUT INTO 4 EQUAL PIECES: Each piece will be 11" x 28" CUT DRAWSTRINGS: Cut 8 pieces of cord, each 36" long SEWING Using a serger and/or sewing machine:-

1: Serge or zig-zag all raw edges - 2: On each short edge, fold over fabric to wrong side making a 1 %" hem to form a drawstring casing.

3: Stitch each casing down, using a straight stitch. Backstitch ends firmly. Can be double stitched for extra strength.

- 4: Fold fabric in half with right sides together. - 5: Sew up the sides, stopping before the casing. Backstitch ends firmly. - 6: Turn bag right side out. - 7: Thread one drawstring through one casing and back through the other casing. Tie the ends.

8: Thread the second drawstring through the casing in the opposite direction. Tie the ends. YOU HAVE NOW COMPLETED ONE DRAW STRING BAG, for a happy girl to carry with pleasure to school, with her precious kit discretely contained inside.

Bright and cheerful bags containing the washable kits, which bring dignity and change life for Tumaini girls and women.

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How to Make a Draw String Bag (Traditional Method-finished bag is 10"x 12")

Step One: Start w i t h an 1 1 " x 28"

piece of cheerful cotton fabric. Serge or zig zag all raw edges

Step Two: Turn each short end wrong sides in

about 1XA" for the drawstring casings. Stitch the casings down.

1 %" fold over

Step Three: Fold i n half w i t h right sides together. Sew up the sides stopping before the

casing. Backstitch ends.

Step Four: Turn right side out and thread the 36"

drawstring through one casing and back through the other. Tie the ends.

(Drawstrings will be longer than shown.)

Repeat going the opposite directions with the second 36" drawstring.

How to Make a Draw String Bag (Speed Method-finished bag is approx 10"x 12")

15

Step One: Start w i t h a 28" x 45"

piece of cheerful cotton fabric. Serge or zig zag both long raw edges

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2 8 " x 4 5 "

Step Two: Cut into 4 equal pieces.

Serge or zig zag all of the raw edges

•

11" X

11" *

X

11" ' 1 •

X

11" X

28" <

28" < 1

| 28" ; 28"

Step Three: Turn each short end wrong sides in about

11/4" for the drawstring casings. Stitch the casings down.

1 Y4" fold over

Step Four: Fold in half w i t h right sides together. Sew up the sides stopping before the casing.

Backstitch ends.

Step Five: Turn right side out and thread a 36"

drawstring through one casing and back through the other. Tie the ends (Actual length of drawstring longer than shown.)

Repeat going the opposite directions with the second 36" drawstring.

www.DavsforGir ls.ora Drawstring Bag Tutorial info@daysforgirls.org

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ASSEMBLING a PCK Personal Care Ki t courtesy of DaysforGirls Organization

Load a Ziplockobag with :-Stack of 5 tri-f old Liners

2 Shields preloaded - (1 shield with 1 liner & 1 shield with 2 liners) 1 Washcloth : 1 Pair of Panties : 1 Ziploc(qbag: 1 small bar of soap

Instruction sheet showing usage : 2 Safety pins Squish well, removing all air, zip closed

Place in a drawstring bag

You just gave a girl 8 months of living! Thank you **************************

EACH KIT CONTAINS 1 Drawstring Bag, holding:-

2 Shields 8 Liners (tri-f old)

1 Washcloth 1 Pair of Panties

1 Instruction sheet 2 Safety pins

2 ZiploC(qbags 1 Small bar of soap (optional)

www.DaysforGlrte.org www.DaysforGirls.org