Mending Hope
Tailoring Training Gives Women The Opportunity To Reinvent Their Small Business
Uganda’s strict and early lock down measures effectively slowed the spread of COVID-19 – with the unfortunate side-effect of halting many small businesses.
The majority of women who were supported with Income Generating Activities (IGAs) through our Family Empowerment Program have been hit hard. Transport restrictions, curfews, social distancing, price hikes and bans on weekly markets are just some of the challenges faced.
Despite the limitations, now more than ever our families need economic empowerment!
Cissy Nanyombi, Ella Natasha’s mother, was trained under Lydia’s leadership to work the sewing machine and can now proudly make cute little dresses for her daughter.
Two separate lock down tailoring training centers were set-up over a month ago. Guardians already skilled in sewing were called to act as trainers to fellow interested women with sponsored kids in our program. Lydia Nsubuga (mother of Julius Ssebazza) and Jessica Nakakande (mother of Shifah Namugabi) each taught 3 women for a total of 6 trainees. The groups were kept small to protect our families and due to travel restrictions.
Below is a table of the two training groups:
| No | Guardian Name | Child Name | Comment |
| 1 | Lydia Nsubuga | Julius Ssebaza | Trainer |
| 2 | Eva Nantanda | Moses Miiro | Guardian |
| 3 | Cissy Nanyombi | Ella Natasha Nabaweesi | Guardian |
| 4 | Sarah Nambalirwa | Martin Mulindwa | Guardian |
| No | Guardian Name | Child Name | Comment |
| 1 | Jessica Nakakande | Shifah Namugabi | Trainer |
| 2 | Justine Kiizza | Resty Kyotiba | Guardian |
| 3 | Agnes Odalu | Mark Kalyango | Guardian |
| 4 | Joyce Nakiwogo | Anita Sarah Nantandwe | Guardian |
The women began working on old sewing machines owned by trainers Lydia and Jessica until we were able to deliver two brand new sewing machines thanks to our supporters. We were also able to supply fabrics, thread, sewing pattern paper and other tailoring supplies. They were elated and full of gratitude!
Trainees were first taught how to make paper dresses, cut fashions and mend clothes by hand. They are now learning how to sew children’s dresses, shirts and shorts using a sewing machine. The women are progressing well, although one group is behind schedule due to their trainer’s health issues (she is HIV+).
All the trainees, trainers and COU staff are super excited about the progress and if all goes to plan, within 4 months the women should have enough skills to create products for sale such as children’s clothing, masks, reusable sanitary towels for girls, school bags and uniforms – to name a few.
Next, we will connect the women to local artisans and expert business trainers to share essential knowledge, skills and advice. All project beneficiaries will be encouraged to actively participate in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). Children of Uganda staff will also provide continuous capacity building training as projects are being implemented.
Thereafter, potential trainees living within the same vicinity will be identified and oriented to embark on the next training; they must be interested and hardworking guardians ready to take on a tailoring business. Our ultimate hope is that older students in our program, as well as local community members who take an interest in the project will be able to benefit as the women acquire the skills and experience necessary to train others.
Hope is contagious!
