19 sight-saving cataract surgeries for the Bolga community

In October 2024, through our Ghanaian staff, we organised an eye screening in Bolgatanga
for eye defects in our knitters and their extended families, especially parents and
grandparents. During eye examinations, 19 advanced cataracts were diagnosed in 15 people
(some had cataracts in both eyes). Many of them could barely see. (In addition, some people
were found to have other eye diagnoses for which we plan further treatment in the coming
months).
The nearest cataract surgery option was at the Northern Community Eye Hospital (NCEH) in
Tamale, 200km away, with Dr Judith Simon. We therefore arranged transport and overnight
accommodation for the patients. All were successfully operated on the first weekend in
November, for which we thank Dr Judith and her entire team.
The following video documents the event. All surgeries, transport costs, overnight stays etc.
were covered by the proceeds from the sale of Bolga bags. In addition to supporting the
individual knitters, the proceeds from the sales go towards these projects. Thank you for
helping out with us.

Inspiration for autumn days

For inspiration, here are some photos of Bolga bags that arrived in August. Christmas is coming soon. For those of you who would like to donate the baskets, for example, to your company’s employees, we remind you that we are a foundation. Therefore, for financial donations (purchase of bags) for legal entities, we can issue a document that can be used to reduce the income tax base by up to 30%.

Successful completion of construction of toilets for knitters and the wider community in Bolgatanga 

On July 1, 2024, our first building (2+2 toilets) was opened in the presence of our knitters and members of the local government to serve both the knitters and the wider community in Bolgatanga. Unfortunately, in the poor area of Bolgatanga, basic sanitation is not at all commonplace. In discussing this with the local people, we agreed that this is very much needed for the area. The funds for the construction of the sanitation facility were used entirely with the collection from the sale of hand-knitted Bolga bags. Thanks to all our supporters.

As the next school year starts in September, further financial help will be directed to purchase school supplies for the children of our knitters. In the longer term, we would like to have a borehole dug, northern Ghana is suffering from the ever-worsening heat and water is becoming increasingly scarce.

The first shipping container with handmade Bolga bags from Ghana has arrived in the Czech Republic

In the second half of August, we managed to successfully implement a long-planned change in the transport of bags to the Czech Republic. Until now, we have delivered the bags by air via national carriers (Ghana Post, German DHL and Czech Post). We are very grateful that our foundation is gradually getting the word out (so far without any advertising costs). As a result, we can order even larger quantities of handmade products at a time. In addition, we have found a company in the Czech Republic called “Health from Africa”, which has shared the container with us. We are very happy that the cooperation is working and hope that shipping by container will become a standard in the future. The shea butter products that Health from Africa imports can now also be purchased in our regular stores. Buying shea butter products at fair prices from local Ghanaian suppliers also puts local people to work, helping to raise the standard of living of the local population. At the same time, transport by container has two additional effects. Apart from reducing the carbon footprint of air freight, the total cost of transporting each bag is much lower. It therefore means more money for the local community in Bolgatanga.

Concerning the main occupation of the founder (ophthalmologist), we are planning to conduct an eye disease screening of all knitters and their families in October. For those who need further medical care, whether it be medication or surgery, our foundation will fully cover the care. We will keep you informed of the progress of this project. Thanks to all those who support our foundation.

Material and football collection for young talents from the poorest strata in Kamonyi district in Rwanda

At the moment, a material collection of soccer shoes and other football equipment for players from the poorest people in Kamonyi district in Rwanda is underway. The collection runs until 26 April. You can bring your little used or second-hand soccer shoes to Mercia Chrudim, instructions are below:

1. You can bring soccer shoes on Monday to Friday from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM to Auto MERCIA (Dašická 1228, Chrudim), spare parts store
2. Please put the shoes in a bag labelled with the name/li>
3. In case of questions, please call 777 626 115 (Kristýna Urbanová)

For those who would like to support the fundraiser financially, you can send a donation to the foundation’s account: 334466847/0300 (please write “fotbal” in the message to the recipient) With the funds raised, we will then purchase the necessary football equipment locally in consultation with local football coaches. Thank you in advance for your material and financial donations.

Video from a year in Rwanda

In August 2022, our family moved to Rwanda for a year. Jirka worked at the local eye clinic Rwanda Charity Eye Hospital run by Dr.Piet Noë. There are only a little over 20 eye doctors in Rwanda with 13 million people, so there was plenty of work. We also tried to get involved in other areas, more in the video. Thank you to all of you who have supported our projects in any way.

Establishment of the foundation

After several years of various activities in African countries, we decided to set up a foundation. We were particularly encouraged by the positive response to the idea of supporting the community in Northern Ghana through the sale of handmade bags and baskets made from Ghanaian elephant grass. At a time when plastic bags have already been banned in over 40 countries around the world, we think that Bolga products can be an interesting and eco-friendly alternative. As we have gained a lot of valuable experience and contacts during our years of work trips, we are also able to help effectively in other areas. We believe that through the foundation, supporting individual activities in African countries (not only the sale of Bolga products) will also be logistically easier and completely transparent.