Most of our groups are in the mountainous areas where the lutindzi grass we use is found. We travel to each of these communities on a prearranged day and the women walk to the meeting place. Many generations live in one homestead and share the responsibilities of the household. Being generous and caring, although extremely poor by western standards, these families will often take in neighbours children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

The rural communities now find themselves under more financial pressure than ever, having to pay for transport to clinics, school fees and support more children. In 2005 Gone Rural completed a survey about the living conditions of our women: