Get Wrapped!

A woman demonstrates how to wear the wrap. Photo by Janet Guyer.

… because you are precious in my sight, and honored and I love you. (Isaiah 43:4)

What is a wrap?

Download a printer-friendly brochure about the wrap.

It is a handy two-meter length of material, often worn wrapped around the body as a skirt, but with many other uses such as carrying a baby on the back or front or carrying supplies on the head, back or over the shoulder.

Get step-by-step instructions for how to wear a wrap.

See other ways to wear a wrap.

Get wrapped!

The story of the wrap

View close up photos of the wrap: 1 | 2 | 3

This is the second wrap in a series to promote understanding and support of the various aspects of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Presbyterian partners' work in Africa. Caring for kids is something happening out of both love and necessity. The numbers of orphans are growing, due both to AIDS and other causes. Hunger continues to stunt children’s growth, impair learning ability and be a cause of death for one child in the world every five seconds. The basic desires that we have for our own children are what God desires for all children, namely, love and security, food, shelter, education, health care and a network of good and helpful friends.

A wrap is a colorful fabric approximately six feet in length worn by women and used for a variety of purposes such as carrying an infant on their back or items on their head. This wrap was designed by a group of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo who are running feeding programs and caring for children in their communities. Together they identified the needs of children in sub-Saharan Africa and what it takes to make up a healthy community for children to grow into strong, productive adults.  Each picture on the wrap represents one of the following facets.

Families are structures within which children are loved, looked after, valued and provided with a sense of identity and security. In times of crisis, families need support to continue to maintain the family unit and provide for children. Photo by Frank Dimmock.

Someone to talk to. Children, especially, need to be listened to and taken seriously. They need to be a part of the decisions that affect their lives. Photo by Frank Dimmock.

Friends allow children to be children — to laugh and play and live the life of a child. Friends are an important support network, people to talk with and a group to belong to. Photo by Frank Dimmock.

Education provides children with hope, opportunities and a future. Vulnerable and orphaned children especially need the support of the community to go as far as they can in school. Photo by Frank Dimmock.

Food is a basic human need, but many children go to bed hungry. One meal a day is the norm in many areas. When we support community schools or child day care centers to provide food for children, it not only gives them energy but encourages them to attend and frees them from the necessity of finding food elsewhere to survive. Photo by Joy Raatz.

Health care is inaccessible to many, many children. Through churches, community schools and child care centers children can be screened, vaccinated and treated. These centers can also be a means of health education, bed-net distribution and simple first aid. Photo by Joy Raatz.

Clean Water is the foundation for health and hygiene. Having access to a clean and  protected water source near home means children and their mothers are saved the arduous, time-consuming task of hauling water long distances, sometimes in unsafe areas. With clean water nearby, they will be sick less often and have more time for other aspects of life such as going to school. Photo by Frank Dimmock.

Spiritual nurture is the foundation for all of hope and life. Knowing that God loves you, that you are special to God, and that you can talk to God any time gives children strength, hope, encouragement and security and connects them to the love and support of God’s family. Photo by Joy Raatz.

Working together, Presbyterians and Presbyterian partners, we can positively impact the lives of orphans and vulnerable children, giving them a brighter present and hope for the future.

How to receive a wrap as a thank you gift

To support orphans and vulnerable children, make a gift to the orphan and vulnerable children Extra Commitment Opportunity (ECO) account #051674. These gifts can either be given online or sent to:

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

Please put ECO number #051674 on the memo line of your check.

In appreciation for contributions of $50 or more, you will receive a wrap. Your generous gift will ensure the continued support of our African partner churches' projects that nurture orphan and vulnerable children.

For more information
For more information about the wrap project call (502) 569-5415 or (888) 728-7228 x5415.

Thank you for your support!  Thank you for your caring!