South Africa was Rotary topic October 20th

Dr. Ernst van der Walt thinks of himself as a "Man for the underdog". From South Africa, van der Walt spoke to our Rotary Club about the hardships of poverty stricken people of South Africa and ways to escape from poverty to the next level through talent, training, and a learned skill. Dr. van der Walt stated that unemployment in South Africa is 59.4% and 42.9% live on less than $2 a day. The village of Genadendal, meaning the Valley of Grace is where The Kraal Gallery begins training women to weave high quality tapestries, rugs and bags. Hand weaving at its best, inspired by the warm spirt of African life, the weavers become proud breadwinners able to support their family. The products are marketed in Krall Galleries located throughout South Africa as well as on line at thekrallgallery.co.za.

Also pictured are two Rotarians from Cedar Rapids who joined Dr. van der Walt on his visit with us. They are displaying an original, hand woven, Krall Gallery tapestry.