BanaBlankets Information

BanaBlankets is an income generation project designed to support the Ratang Bana community in Alexandra, Johannesburg. . The project run by Jane Simmonds (founder) and Dean Dijkhuis provides income to woman who make blankets. The woman are from the Township and many of these women are forced to rely solely on government grants to look after themselves and their extended families, which often includes grandchildren orphaned by AIDS. In many instances these grants do not cover the costs of even the most basic needs of the extended family. This project provides the means to generate income for the women involved and give them both skills and independence by teaching them the skills to make various blankets. Therefore, the blanket initiative provides a way to empower these women and provide an increase in income for both them and their dependents. The income generation project also supports the children of Ratang Bana. Ratang Bana, meaning “for the future of children”, is a registered non-profit organisation based in Alexandra Township that works with around 600 vulnerable children. Ratang Bana aims to uplift these children and the communities that support them and create a future for those in need. It strives to promote community involvement in order to better the lives of these people and their families and encourages education through it’s library and its provision of and access to computers and the Internet.