With a tape measure, a sewing machine and a piece of fabric, she is changing her world: Doreen’s story shows how she found new hope through the sewing school training programme and is now herself a bearer of hope for those around her in Zambia.

Doreen* used to be a vegetable seller at the market. She worked hard to provide for her family. But her income was barely enough to make ends meet. Determined and full of hope to improve her situation and that of her children, she enrolled at the Mushili Training Centre, a sewing school run by our partner organisation in Zambia. There, she wanted to finally fulfil her career dream and become a seamstress. She was offered a place on the course and embarked on this new phase of her life with enthusiasm and dedication. Instead of selling beans, cabbage and pumpkin leaves, she now learnt about design, choosing the right fabrics and advising customers.

In May 2024, Doreen successfully completed her training at the sewing school. A milestone marking the start of a new chapter in her life. As part of the training programme, she received her own sewing machine as a happy graduate and shortly afterwards used it to open her first tailoring business.

ABOUT THE SEWING SCHOOLS

The Mushili Training Centre comprises two sewing schools supported by the Hoffnungsträger Foundation in Zambia. On site, our partner organisation Prison Fellowship Zambia runs this facility:

  • Former prisoners, families of prisoners and other people in need from the Mushili and Kawama communities receive training
  • Entrepreneurial skills are taught
  • Women and men receive sewing machines to help them become self-employed
  • Cooperatives improve economic prospects and facilitate the repayment of sewing machine loans
  • Computer training courses are held; participants’ own work is assessed

In 2024, 100 people were enrolled in the training programme. These included 82 women and 18 men. Due to demand and its success, the training centre will even be expanded in 2025 to include an additional site and a new specialist department (carpentry)!

Today, Doreen is a successful entrepreneur. Her business has become a reliable source of income for her family; this has enabled her to raise her standard of living. She is very proud of her work and is able to apply many valuable insights gained during her training. She has now built up a loyal customer base in the village.

“My success would not have been possible without the tailoring training and the sewing machine I received. I can now support myself and my income has improved significantly,” says Doreen gratefully.

Doreen’s story demonstrates the transformative power of vocational training and how hope takes on a new form. With her determination and the necessary opportunities and support, she has become a bearer of hope in her own village.

Would you like to support people like Doreen on their journey towards economic independence?

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