Jonah Larson's Ethiopian Project Fundraiser
Jonah Larson is a young man who is using a craft to help change the world.
Jonah was a mere five years old when he found a crochet hook in a box of crafting supplies. That serendipitous moment sparked an interest in a skill he's seriously gifted in, and now Jonah is using that skill to give back to his home country.
The advanced-math 6th Grade student did what many of us do – turned to YouTube for instructional videos. He learned how to crochet by watching online tutorials, and then made his first, small item – a dish cloth. After that, he was off and running, crocheting before and after school, learning more advanced crochet skills, and entering his crocheted items into competitions.
Jonah and his speedy handwork skills were featured in an article in his hometown paper, the La Crosse Tribune, in January, 2019. The following month Jonah’s story was featured on NPR.
From the La Crosse Tribune: "As a kindergartner, having already advanced to hats, blankets and scarves, he entered his handiwork in the La Crosse County Fair, competing against — and triumphing over — “the grandmas….Considering the circumstances, it felt awesome,” says Jonah, who took home seven ribbons the next year and now has around 70 in his collection. “I’m really proud of all the things I make.”
Like a true artist, Jonah says: “I see something in my head before I make it.” His flower afghan, made up of 800 individual flowers, is stunningly gorgeous. Jonah’s speedy skills are impressive. But even more impressive are the patience and care required to take on and complete vastly different-shaped projects at such a young age. Jonah's got the skills of a young artist and mathematician.
Here’s a video about Jonah from 60 Second Docs:
Jonah’s crocheting skills have garnered him an income through orders placed through his Instagram account, Jonah’s Hands. Jonah has put his sales income back into yarn for crocheting, into savings, and towards helping families in Ethiopia.
He has sent items he's made to the Ethiopian orphanage where he was adopted from. And, with the help of his mother, Jenn Larson, he's got a new project that will get off the ground with the help of Roots Ethiopia. Roots Ethiopia helps families by providing much-needed school supplies and by supporting small businesses.
Jonah's project, ‘Help Expand Jonah’s Hands to Ethiopia,’ is looking to raise $15,000 through gofundme.
From their gofundme page:
“One day, I was handed a bag of crochet supplies… This seemingly small gift would change my path forever. I taught myself to crochet at the age of 5 by watching YouTube videos. Now I’m 11, and I have my own crochet business called Jonah’s Hands , my Instagram account has grown to over 128,000, and my YouTube has over 24,000 amazing people from all over the world who share my love of crafts & crochet! You can also follow me on my Jonah’s Hands Facebook Page .”
“There are other kids just like me, living in the country in which I was born: Ethiopia. Today, I want to hand children in Ethiopia the chance to unlock their own passion and potential. The talent and love that came from that gift can now spread across the globe and back to the beautiful country I love so much.
I am partnering with Roots Ethiopia, a non-profit organization located right in the village where I was born! I love Roots Ethiopia because they are dedicated to supporting Ethiopian children and families. Roots Ethiopia focuses on two things. First, they support poor rural schools with the resources they need to help children soar. Things like desks and blackboards, libraries, and hands-on science labs are the priorities for schools. Can you imagine children not having books at school, or a place to sit?"
UPDATE: March 7, 2020:
"Hello Supporters!
If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve finished building a library in my home village in Ethiopia where I was born. Now I’m working on building them a science facility. My dream is to return to Ethiopia to see the library and meet the kids who have been impacted. Watch a clip of the Little Big Shot show with Melissa McCarthy I was recently on to learn more. I’ve raised my GoFundMe goal from $25,000 to $30,000 to help with travel expenses to get me and my family there. Thank you for helping me achieve this dream."
Jonah and his mom also co-authored a book: Hello, Crochet Friends! Making Art, Being Mindful, Giving Back: Do What Makes You Happy.
If Jonah inspires you, please consider donating to his project.
If you'd like to learn to crochet like Jonah, some good places to start are the YouTube crochet teachers Simplydaisy , The Crochet Crowd, and Melanie Ham.
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