It can be a bitter time of year for many. The Harmattan season, in the West African subcontinent, sees dry, heavy winds come from the Sahara Desert, for four long months.  As it blows, the wind picks up fine dust and sand particles(see main image below). This season can be a struggle for families battling poverty in poor housing. During Harmattan, the temperature can be unpredictably cold, and the dry, dusty conditions cause illness. Children without proper warm clothing and shelter suffer.

Global Hand user, Guildance Community Development Foundation in Nigeria, were pleased, then, to accept an offer of warm, knitted clothes from Kids Love Clothes in Edinburgh. “They assisted the less privileged, orphans and vulnerable children who cannot afford to buy clothes,” we heard back. “Very useful during the cold and the Harmattan season.”