By Sally Hetherington | Project Leader
Our vocational sewing program aims to empower Level One, Two and Three Poor people in our surrounding villages to earn a new skill, and as a result, create a sustainable future for themselves and their families.
Our students receive 1kg of rice three days a week, vegetables grown in our garden one day a week, and ingredients one day a week. The students study life skills each Friday, and learn about anger management, hygiene, job interviews and other topics from our Vocational Training Manager.
Our students study three levels; beginner, advanced and expert, and are equipped with a full range of sewing skills from school uniforms right though to elaborate wedding dresses. After completing the sewing program they are either hired by HHA to make our products at their homes, they receive employment externally or they set up a small business with machines borrowed through our microfinance program, which has a 100% repayment rate.
One success story is that of our seamstress, Saney. She first heard about our sewing program through her neighbor who had previously studied our beginner course. Saney only managed to study until second grade in school, and as a result, she didn’t have the knowledge or skills to gain a stable job. Instead, Saney would take rattan from the forest with her daughter and make baskets which she could then sell for 12 cents each. She, her husband and her daughter only had enough money to eat two meals a day, and even then, they struggled.
When Saney heard about our sewing program, she immediately asked her husband for permission to study. He didn’t agree. She persisted, until finally he agreed that she could study our program and gain a new skill. Whilst studying, Saney asked HHA to borrow funds through our microfinance program so she could purchase a sewing machine. To begin with, she was able to earn $1.50 a day making and fixing clothes for her neighbours. Then we hired Saney to be one of our seamstresses, which involved making our products at her home for a fair wage. We put a limit on the amount she could make from HHA, as for Saney’s skill to be truly sustainable, she couldn’t rely on HHA for her whole income.
Last year Saney graduated from our sewing program. Her daughter now studies English with us, her business continues to expand and now she has gained respect from her husband.
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By Team HHA | Team HHA
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