Our first sewing class started on February 18, 2008 with fifteen women and seven graduated.  Five of the women who graduated have started to earn money from their sewing skills.  Even those who did not complete the class have gained skills that are allowing them to earn some money.  Three of the graduates have earned enough money to purchase their own sewing machines.   In fact, one woman has made enough money that she has been able to bring her children back from the village so that they can live with her and have her raise them.   Within a six month time frame she has earned about 6 years worth of wages (half of it going back to her business). None of the women that started the program were able to provide for their families before the class.  Most of them worked as merchants buying and selling products, but unfortunately, most of the merchants end up in debt to those who provide them goods as they are unable to sell enough goods at a high enough price.  This class has been a miracle for these ladies as they can now provide for their families in a positive and healthy way.

We are allowing the women who graduate from the sewing class the option to work at our facility several days during the week when our facility is not being used by other programs.  We provide the material, machine and a safe place and then each woman gets to keep 50% of the sales proceeds from each item they make.  We currently have an onsite store to sell the bags and other items made by the women.  As women earn enough money they will buy their own machines and be able to work out of their homes.