Equip and Empower a Woman in India for Success

Afreen sits by the window, catching a light breeze in the hot Indian sun as she threads the needle with practiced ease. The rhythmic hum of the sewing machine is a comforting sound, filling her small room with a sense of purpose. Each stitch brings a new school uniform to life, a symbol of hope and opportunity for the girls who will wear them. A smile tugs at corner of her mouth thinking about how far she’s come.

Just two years ago, her life was drastically different. She was a little girl lost in the chaos of the slums in India, feeling invisible and worthless. Each day was a battle against the harsh realities of her surroundings. She faced abuse and neglect, with no prospects for a better future. The weight of despair was so heavy on her young shoulders that she often wished to end her suffering.

 Wandering the streets one day, a kind woman approached Afreen and gave her a flyer for our tailoring school. With nothing to lose, she decided to give it a try, though her heart was full of doubt and fear.

The first few weeks at the tailoring school were challenging. She was still haunted by her father’s damaging words of worthlessness, and the new environment felt overwhelming. But slowly, as she learned to sew, something began to change. With every piece of fabric she handled, it gave her a greater sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

The instructors were patient and kind, encouraging her to believe in herself. They drew out potential in Afreen that her frail heart had a hard time accepting. Gradually, the dark clouds of depression started to lift, and she found herself looking forward to each new day.

Now Afreen is one of the best tailors in our program. You have not only changed Afreen’s life but have also many other girls like her. Your kindness and generosity are weaving together stories of transformation.

Afreen finishes the last stitch on the uniform, filled with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude. The sun is setting, casting a golden glow over her colorful fabric. She is no longer the depressed girl from the slums; she is Afreen, a confident young lady with a bright future ahead.

Victoria watches as her two little girls put on brightly colored dresses for their first day of school. She is proud of her  children’s delight in the beautiful garments she skillfully made just for them. They dart to school, waving goodbye to a tearful Victoria.

She steps back into her small store - shelves line with vibrant fabrics and threads of every shade ready to be purchased. Victoria's shop is doing well,  allowing her to provide for her two young daughters in a way her parents couldn't growing up.

Her parents, honest and hardworking day laborers, suffered in poverty - unable to care for Victoria. At five years old Victoria was left at our children's home where the meals were hearty, classrooms buzzed with learning, and hearts overflowed with affection.

Victoria remembers thinking how amazing her new home was.  There was a playground, lots of other children to play with, plenty of food, and people who loved her. She enjoyed dancing and performing programs with the other girls and the wonderful friendships she made. She learned how to be responsible with what God gives her and how to take care of others. 

As she grew up, she was given a quality education and eventually went through our tailoring school. These skills, combined with business classes, became the bedrock for the fulfilling life she enjoys today as a seamstress, business owner, wife, and mother.

It was your generous support that has helped her break the hardship of poverty.

At Victoria’s shop—every stitch, button, and bobbin is because of your investment to give the opportunity for an abundant life without poverty.