Dusty Shelves!

The doll project has been shelved until we receive some help through sponsorship. Even though the Soccer World Cup period was lousy, we have met amazing people that recognise the potential of the project and are out there seeking help on our behalf. During the waiting period, we have started making brown fairies and although we didn’t get the contract we were aiming for, this project promises to help many families that are currently suffering under the economic strain. If you are one of those individuals that know people in positions that may assist us, please let me know so that I can introduce the program to them.

Dissapointments abound

Dissapointments are generally directly related to expectations; which in turn is related to promises made. We entered this Soccer World Cup period with our share of difficulties; apparently due to 'miscommunications' we lost out on the first opportunity that presented itself. With enthusiasm, we bounced on the second possibility and, combined with the promises made, we were happy to put our fate in the hands of the Africa Heritage Society. Big Mistake!!!

Soccer World Cup News

The cat is out the bag and it is official; our dolls are Africa Heritage Dolls and we will be present during the games at the Africa Heritage Institude.

Three important incedents have happended during the past two weeks. First was the news that we will be presenting our dolls during the World Cup which brought about the need for a partnership to help carry the can. Within minutes of sending out my distress signal, a partnership was born and a new doll saw the light. More of this can be viewed on www.ragdolls.co.za. Once the energy started flowing again, our benefactors, Rearabilwe, expressed their desire to continue with the program. I learned so much from this whole process.

My main lesson was NOT to take things so personally. It is with 20-20 hindsight vision that I can recognise; when we disagree on one point, we don't necessarily discontinue the whole project. Doing creative work has brought the dramaqueen to the surface and caught me off-side like you would not believe.

So, for now, we will focus on the World Cup and pick up the pieces after. There is much to do and very little time left. I will keep you updated as things transpire.

Sponsors Needed Urgently

Three weeks ago, we suffered a knock when Rearabilwe halted the program. It has taken me this long to work through the denial phase of this loss and here I am now; ready to re-plan, re-strategize and re-focus on what it is that I wish to achieve. I have divided the program into two distinctive parts. Each of these need different approaches and will deliver different results. Before I launch into an explanation, I would like to share the delight I experienced when I received the latest consignment of dolls.




This doll was made in the image of a well-known TV presenter, Andile Gaelisiwe, because the caregiver who made her sees her as a role model. I have attempted to make contact with Andile and will give her first option at purchasing this doll. Can you see the resemblance? I think it is remarkable that creativity like this is hidden in our own backyards.






The two sides of the project.
Short Term Plan.
Although I have been stock piling for the Soccer World Cup, I have also attended various gatherings over weekends to collect cash for our benefactors. This has proven to be totally unsuccessful. A very difficult decision had to be made as far FIFA was concerned. They wanted 500 dolls and the stock, at the time that the project was halted, was around 250, leaving me no choice but to withdraw. They have however, offered another option where the current stock can be sold to the soccer visitors from their offices. I will consider this option seriously if and when it becomes a reality.

You may remember - if you don't, then read the first entry on this blog - that the 200 Mamma dolls were made to create the original fund. That agreement will be honoured and although this fund may or may not bridge the gap, the decision does not lie with me. In order to keep the project alive for long enough to allow the long-term options to be realised, I have split my focus into two.

Long Term Plan.
There is a South African Market in Europe later this year where the dolls will be an absolute hit. The dolls that are left over from the World Cup will be sent there. A contact from the USA is promoting the dolls through her channels and although I have not seen any results yet, I am positive that this will come. When and if the demand is there, the project will flow once again. At this stage I am bargaining on the international market taking the overflow from the local, post World Cup, market and then letting it be. Unless off course I receive some help from somewhere.

This is perhaps the time that you can draw on your own contacts to find the help that this project needs. Please email me on rheeders@mweb.co.za if you have any bright ideas.

The First Children

This project has far exceeded our highest expectation. The first 6 caregivers that took part in the project have grabbed this opportunity with both their hands. The have started producing dolls within the first month and we would like to introduce you to the first group of Kiddy Dolls that we have purchased.



Our long term goal is to sell the Kiddy Dolls on the international market. We are currently exploring the possibilities in both the USA and Europe. Until this market is fully established, we are making these Kiddy Dolls available at R500 each. They will be accompanied by their own village scene and their individual stories in the form of a handwritten note from their creator.

To place an order, please contact me, Kate Rheeders at rheeders@mweb.co.za or phone me on 083-757-1101

Mammas done and dusted

At last, all the Mamma Dolls are made, dressed and boxed. We even sold 4 yesterday to Linda Coutsides - one of our most loyal supporters. She says that the recipients were delighted with their gifts, especially those who received dolls that were already posted on the blog. We took a group photograph of the whole series this afternoon to show them to you.



You may notice that we did a total of 15 different looks. The reason for this was the fear that once they are sold, they are gone and we will not even have a reminder. One full set will be kept back as an example of this link in the chain of dolls. Individually, the dolls look as follow:





Each doll is approximately 30cm long - the scene of the village behind their individual pictures was done on an A2 paper. They are placed in a hand-made box, lined with a village scene and relevant information and are selling at R300 per doll.

To place an order, please contact me, Kate Rheeders at rheeders@mweb.co.za or call me on 083-757-1101.

The Mammas

Meet the Mammas


As reported in the previous entry, approximately 200 dolls were made to kick start the fund. These were assembled and stuffed by volunteers and patiently waited for their turn in the 'dressing room'. I must admit, it looks quite freaky if you don't know what they are. On this particular heap are only about 50 dolls waiting in anticipation.


We decided to dress and decorate the dolls in the image of the caregivers and in the order of their participation. 14 dolls of each person were made and the intention is to make 14 variations of the first 14 caregivers. That will give us 196 dolls for this first phase.




First was Deliwe; a 48 year old woman who has proven to be dedicated and extremely capable with a sewing machine. She makes all her own clothing and even sews for others. The challenge for Deliwe was to fabricate by hand; a skill that she has not needed up until now. Her representation was dressed in red and blue with exaggerated eyelashes. Isn't she gorgeous?









Beauty is a young lady who is mother of two; her youngest is about 6 months old. She prides herself on her chubby babies and what sets her apart is her style of wearing bandannas. She is a keen soccer fan and it was decided to dress her in an outfit (orange and black) with soccer balls in the design.











Senzeni is the youngest person in the group; she is only 23 years old and the sweetest young lady you can wish to meet. Always with a smile on her face and ever so keen to learn, there has not been a task that she was not willing to try. She has a round face and very fine features that resulted in the doll dressed in yellow and brown. Isn't she stunning?









Initially we anticipated the need of a translator to ensure that everybody understands the instructions. This has proven to be totally unnecessary mainly because of Anna. In her sixties, Anna speak fluent Afrikaans and translates for any and everybody when we fall onto our mother tongues. She is a real giggle and loves to chat about neighbourly matters. She always wears a head band and the smile is permanent.





Three of us are working against the clock and I will upload pictures as the dolls become human. I have to admit that the caregivers have overtaken me; they have produced their first two kiddy dolls and I will upload pictures soon.

If you are interested in helping us with the finer finishes, please contact me via email. Take care and we'll chat soon.

Introducing the Four Forerunners

We are in the third week of the project and the whole idea has developed beyong its original boundaries. It pleases me to update you on these unexpected developments as well as introduce you the the first four dolls that were made.

The First Four.

These four dolls were sewn by the hands of Kate. They were made in the image of four specific children, from different backgrounds and living under circumstances that are not always understandable by the Western mind. The whole purpose behind their manufacture was to sell the concept of the Ragdoll Initiative to Rearabilwe.

You will recognise this little fellow as Tsepo the First. Tsepo (on the right) is in his late teens and was orphaned in 2000 when his mother died from what was believed to have been cancer. His aunt (mother's sister) took Tsepo and his youndger brother, Kamagelo, under her wing and into her already overflowing home, where she cares for a total of nine children. Tsepo has just started working and has become the proud father of a young boy.


Lebo (left) is a young lady that is currently in her last year at school. She is the daughter of Tsepo's aunt and a mother as well to a 18 months old baby girl. They are both healthy although the baby has a severe squint that requires surgery. Lebo is studying hard and attends extra lessons over the weekend to ensure her success at the end of the year.


Thembi (right) is a three year old little girl that was adopted by a couple that live in Finland. She was born to Clara only two moths after Clara's mom died from AIDS. Both Clara and Thembi have been tested and are free from HIV. According to the latest correspondence, Thembi has adjusted well even though her adopted parents have divorced.


Thabang, Lebo and Tsepo live in the same household. Thabang (left) is the grandson to Tsepo's aunt and is currently in grade 7 for the second time round. He is a very keen cricket player and spends almost every weekend practicing at a local club. When his uncle (Lebo's brother) died from AIDS 5 years ago, Thabang was deeply affected and is slowly coming to terms with the loss of his only male role model.


The Developments.
The aim was to produce 200 dressed and decorated dolls by end March - the actual dolls have already been made through the help of a group of ladies that belong to a local bookclub. The design used was simple and unconplicated, making the manufacturing process reasonably easy. It is the details that caused many sleepless nights and brought about the decision to turn these intitial 200 dolls into the Caregivers themselves. Keep your eye on this blog because some of the ladies will present themselves to you real soon.

The First Tender Step

The Ragdoll Initiative

A Feel-Good Project

What is the Ragdoll Initiative? – The Ragdoll Initiative is a skills-development, income-generating, self-sustaining, multifaceted, recycling program that is designed to reach the core of the caregiver; bringing about a holistic approach in the raising and caring of vulnerable children.

How will it work? – Caregivers will be taught the skills of making ragdolls and during this period, they will develop their skills of awareness, accountability, dedication, tenacity, patience, consistency, discipline, contemplation and a sense of pride and satisfaction. Once these skills are acquired, the caregivers will become home-based where they will continue to manufacture dolls of quality that will be exchanged for money, while another group is in training. There are three phases to the program.

1. During the initial stage, we aim to produce enough dolls to provide for the local market, especially during the 2010 World Cup event that will bring many foreigners to our country. The money earned during this phase will be placed in a fund to purchase the dolls from the caregivers, demonstrating to them the law of energy exchange in the form of money for effort. It will take time for the caregivers to reach the point of producing a doll of quality, allowing this fund to be established through the sale of your ragdoll.
2. Once the caregivers are equipped, their dolls will represent the children in their care. The packaging and accompanying literature will elevate this initiative to a whole new level, making it a personal process that will involve much more than an exchange of money.
3. The final phase is to market these personalized ragdolls on the International Platform, where they will tell their stories. It will once again raise the bar for both the child and the caregiver, leaving behind a legacy and ensuring that they will be remembered by someone, somewhere.

How can you help? – It is during this initial stage that your help is most needed to assist us in producing at least 200 ragdolls. Depending on your available time and skills (both sewing and creative) we would appreciate your participation in this worthy cause. A standardized Ragdoll Kit has been prepared for you to sew (basic instructions are on the back of this note). Any and all help will be appreciated.

• You can choose to only sew – solid old-fashioned stitches please, as we were taught, with matching yarn – and return it, where we will complete your doll.
• Or, perhaps you have an old pillow or threadbare sheet (torn in strips) that can be recycled into stuffing, after which you can return the doll. We will dress it and make it smile.
• You may even be creative enough to give it a face and hair that will complement its essence.
• The ultimate for us would be if you make, decorate and dress the doll in your own unique way.

What to remember? - There are a number of points to keep in mind.

• The recycling aspect of this initiative is important to us and all little scraps should be returned for further use. Should you have pieces of material/wool that can be used by someone else, please let us know.
• Time is also important as we have much to do in preparation, so, if you are not able to help, please tell those that can help about this initiative. We hope to have 200 completed dolls by end March 2010.
• Phases 2 and 3 will their own needs that you may wish to participate in. Although the current group of caregivers is based in Etwatwa, a township far on the East Rand (near Springs), this program may be operational in an area near you sooner rather than later, allowing you active participation – if you so wish.
• A website http://www.ragdollinitiative.blogspot.com/ has been created in preparation for phase 3 and your comments will be of great value to us in the crawling stage of this project.

Further Funding Requirements – The nature of this initiative is to become self-sustaining by producing a ragdoll of high enough quality to entice someone, somewhere to purchase it for a fee sufficient to cover the labour, material and psycho-social needs of its maker. There are many factors, other than the doll itself that will be required to ensure the long-term success of this program. Funders for packaging, marketing etc will be sought in due course and your awareness of ‘Who’s Who’ in your own network may prove to be a necessary step in ensuring that these children and their caregivers do not pass through this world without telling their heartbreaking stories. Kate Rheeders is the force behind The Ragdoll Initiative and she is reachable by phone on 083-757-1101, through email at rheeders@mweb.co.za and on the website http://www.ragdollinitiative.blogspot.com/.