Gestating Warmth Globalwide: Kazakh Innovation Nurtures Preterm Infants
A Warm Embrace for Preemies: The 28 Loops Journey
In the heart of Astana, a tale of warmth and compassion unfolds through the 28 Loops Public Foundation. Since its inception in 2012, this grassroots initiative has been devoted to providing hand-knitted woolen essentials for preemies across Kazakhstan, helping them to stay cozy and preserve their energy for survival. The movement has grown into a global phenomenon, with a network of volunteers stretching across major Kazakh cities and 13 international locations, all united by a common goal.
Behind the project is Karla Nur, a photographer, journalist, and this initiative's ingenious creator. Speaking to The Astana Times, she revealed that the foundation now boasts over 150 branches and boasts an impressive pool of 6,000 dedicated volunteers. To date, an astounding 400,000 knitted items have been donated.
Interested parties looking to bring a local branch of 28 Loops to their community must adhere to certain guidelines. Quarterly deliveries of knitted items, tailored to regional birth rates, are essential. Regular meetings, prohibition of selling donated items, and crafting items exclusively from 100% wool are also non-negotiable. Every branch should also share updates on Instagram or other social media platforms.
Karla shared that newcomers are often drawn to the club by word of mouth. In an interview, she explained, "We don't actively seek volunteers; we help set up branches and provide remote training." Even if you don't know how to knit, the club offers lessons, and practice makes perfect. Karla's first knitted item, a sock, looked more like a triangle - but she's kept it as a cherished memento of her journey.
A Simple Idea with Powerful Impact
Each set consists of a blanket, a vest, socks, a cap, and an octopus-shaped toy. This cuddly octopus serves a practical purpose beyond comfort: when a baby grasps the tentacles, they mimic the mother's umbilical cord, helping to soothe and calm the newborn while preventing them from yanking out medical sensors.
To join this passionate community of knitters, all you need is your yarn and knitting needles. The foundation is self-funded, with members covering their own material costs.
Karla, however, hopes to source yarn domestically rather than relying on imports. "Locally produced yarn would be ideal," she said, "but unfortunately, production in Kazakhstan doesn't exist yet."
Touchedhearts Beyond the Babies
For parents of preemies, the knitted sets offer both medical and emotional support. Over the years, Karla has received numerous heartfelt stories about the impact of the club. She reminisces, "Many mothers express their gratitude. One mom wrote about watching her baby's cap grow as her child grew - it was a poignant reminder of their progress."
But the club's influence doesn't stop with the preemies and their families - it transforms the lives of its volunteers too. Karla shared a touching anecdote about a man whose life was changed by the club after he lost his father. His grieving mother found a new purpose in joining the club and eventually recovered.
Karla also recalls the resilience of Violetta Nikolaevna, a volunteer who suffered a stroke and lost the use of her right side. Determined to recover, she asked for knitting needles as soon as she returned home. With perseverance, she regained her strength and delighted everyone by attending a club meeting on her own, walking with assistance.
As the foundation has inspired other initiatives within Kazakhstan, such as Threads of Goodness, 40 Loops, and Early Rehabilitation of Newborns, it continued to grow, gathering support from sponsors and adhering to Kazakhstan's favorable conditions for charitable foundations and volunteer initiatives.
"I appreciate the support Kazakhstan provides for volunteerism and charity," Karla expressed. "The government is lenient with documentation and tax requirements. The best support we receive is visibility. When people talk and write about the foundation, it helps us reach more people and encourage participation."
Join the 28 Loops community and make a difference in a preemie's life. Your knitted item could offer comfort, warmth, and hope, while also transforming your own life in the process. Knit today, change lives tomorrow.
- The 28 Loops Public Foundation, based in Astana, promotes warmth and compassion through hand-knitted essentials for preemies.
- Incubated in 2012, the initiative has since expanded into a global network of volunteers across major cities in Kazakhstan and 13 international locations.
- Karla Nur, a photographer, journalist, and initiator of the project, spoke to The Astana Times about the foundation's growth, which now boasts over 150 branches and 6,000 volunteers.
- In total, 400,000 knitted items have been donated to date.
- To establish a local branch of 28 Loops, volunteers must adhere to guidelines regarding deliveries, meetings, and crafting items from 100% wool.
- Newcomers are often drawn to the club by word of mouth, with lessons offered for those who don't know how to knit.
- Each knitted set consists of a blanket, vest, socks, cap, and an octopus-shaped toy, which serves a practical purpose in soothing newborns and preventing them from yanking out medical sensors.
- Members cover their own material costs, but Karla hopes to source yarn domestically rather than relying on imports.
- For parents of preemies, the knitted sets offer both medical and emotional support.
- Heartfelt stories from grateful parents reflect the impact of the club, with one mother describing watching her child's cap grow as a poignant reminder of their progress.
- The club's influence transforms the lives of its volunteers as well, providing a sense of purpose and hope.
- Karla shares a story about a man who lost his father, finding solace and a new purpose through the club, which eventually helped his grieving mother recover.
- Similarly, Violetta Nikolaevna, a volunteer who suffered a stroke, regained her strength and participated in a club meeting after using knitting needles in her recovery.
- The 28 Loops initiative has inspired other initiatives within Kazakhstan, such as Threads of Goodness, 40 Loops, and Early Rehabilitation of Newborns.
- The foundation has received support from sponsors and embraces Kazakhstan's favorable conditions for charitable foundations and volunteer initiatives.
- Karla appreciates the lenient government policies on documentation and tax requirements and the visibility provided by people talking and writing about the foundation.
- By joining the 28 Loops community, individuals can make a difference in a preemie's life, providing comfort, warmth, and hope.
- Your knitted item could also transform your own life, offering a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
- With the right knowledge, anybody can contribute to this powerful global movement.
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