Teen Mothers' Empowerment Project (TeenMEP} Abia

Introduction

Purpose of the Report: To assess if some of the beneficiaries who were trained in fashion, were utilizing the sewing machines effectively for empowerment purposes.

Background Information: The apprenticeship lasted for a year. From March 2023 to March, 2024. This was to enable the teenage mother beneficiaries learn sewing skills, pattern drafting, stitching techniques, gain practical experience in handling various fabrics and designs and develop customer service skills relevant to the trade. They were also drilled through technical skills such as basics of sewing and tailoring, business skills such as pricing and negotiation strategies, and marketing and client relationship management. Personal development such as time management and organization and building self-confidence and independence.

Rationale for Providing Sewing Machines:

• As an empowerment tool because sewing machine is a critical asset that enables the TMs to immediately apply their skills and start earning an income.
• Sustainability: By owing a machine, they can establish long-term self-employment rather than relying on temporary opportunities.
• Independence: The machine reduces dependency on external resources, allowing them to work from home or set up small workshops.
• Skill Utilization: It ensures that the skills acquired during the apprenticeship do not go to waste due to lack of tools.

Methodology

• Visited the beneficiaries’ locations (homes)
• Interacted with them to gather information about the usage of the sewing machines.
• Observed their work environment to verify usage.

Findings

 I noticed and also observed that two (2) out of the three (3) Teenage Mothers (TMs) are actively using the machines.

• Teenage_Mothers_Empowerment_Project_Report_GG_Jan25.docx (DOCX)