Learning a trade or skill can provide a lifeline out of poverty. That’s why the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul in Mashishing Village, South Africa started a Sewing School for teenage mothers.
In February 2024, twenty eager, young mothers began sewing lessons “full of enthusiasm and energy,” explained Sr. Ndinga Kimbuende Alphonsine. Classes ended in August.
To make this class a reality, the Sisters reached out to the Comboni Missionaries North American Mission Office to apply for a grant from Small Mission Projects Program. They needed to purchase sewing machines for their education center. Every year, we support mission projects around the world. Many of those projects are for our own Comboni Missionaries, but some also go to support others in need.
Providing education and skills training is an important aspect of the Comboni charism, making supporting this program an easy decision.
The goal of this project was to teach young women how to provide for themselves, thus improving their living conditions and reducing poverty.
For six hours every day, four days a week, students learned how to cut out fabric pieces without a pattern, different stitches, working with various materials, how to take measurements, and sewing items.
The young women made pillows, baby sheets, skirts, shirts, dresses, pants, and full-size sheets.
“We send our gratitude to the Comboni Missionaries of North America, and all the donors who contributed to the achievement of this project. The participants were able to fulfil their dreams at the end because of your support,” Sr. Ndinga said.
At the outset of the program, the Sisters asked the students what they hoped to accomplish. Some said they want to become a fashion designer, others said they simply wanted to improve their sewing skills, and still others responded that they wanted to learn a trade to support their family.
In the end, 15 students were able to finish their formation and receive their certificates. Unfortunately, five could not finish due to health problems. They have been encouraged to return and finish the program when they are healthy again.
“The participants enjoyed the formation and are happy to achieve their goals,” Sr. Ndinga explained. The remaining desire of all of the students is to own a sewing machine. The cost remains high, so for now the sisters are allowing the young women to work at the center when orders come in.
Going forward this program will be able to sustain itself through the sales of sewn clothes and other items.
