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Project Update: Young Women Master Tailoring

The Young Women Master Tailoring project, co-funded by Wierda Baas, Haella Foundation, Wilde Ganzen, and individual donations through the iMPACT direct crowdfunding platform, was launched on March 4th, 2024. This initiative aims to empower 10 young women in Molo Sub County, Kenya by providing them with vocational training in tailoring and dressmaking, enabling them to achieve sustainable income and lift themselves and their families out of extreme poverty.

Progress So Far:

  1. Training Commencement:
    • The project commenced successfully with the first cohort of 5 young women dedicating four days a week for six months to intensive tailoring training.
    • The initial training focused on setting up sewing machines and mastering basic sewing techniques.
  2. Practical Skills Development:
    • Within two months, the participants crafted items such as hair bonnets, school shirts (long and short-sleeved), and school skirts (both straight and pleated).
    • The women displayed remarkable progress and enthusiasm as they acquired new, valuable skills.
  3. Business and Financial Education:
    • Led by Mrs. Joyce Kiprop Cheruiyot, an intensive training session on Finance and Business Management took place, providing participants with essential skills in:
      • Leadership and management
      • Business development
      • Financial management
      • Customer care
      • Conflict resolution
      • The role of businesses in community development
  4. Self-Help Groups:
    • The participants registered their self-help groups with the Ministry Of Labour and Social Protection  , which will allow them to open a savings account with a local savings and credit cooperative (sacco) for further business expansion through low-interest loans.
  5. Maintenance Training:
    • To enhance sustainability, the women received training on sewing machine repair and maintenance, ensuring that they can independently address equipment needs as they arise.
  6. Diversification of Income:
    • Recently, participants decided to sell liquid soap alongside their tailoring services, expanding their product offerings to attract more customers and create a steady stream of income.
  7. Business Setup and Orders:
    • The first cohort of participants has completed their training, with two women supported in acquiring sewing machines and business space by community well-wishers to begin their ventures. An additional 2 women received machines and were set up in a different location by Kalyet Afya Foundation while one was placed in a tailoring internship program to sharpen her skills. 
    • The budding businesses are gaining traction with incoming orders, showcasing the practical impact of the training.
  8. Graduation and Future Cohorts:
    • The first cohort’s graduation is planned for October 2024.
    • It is anticipated that training for the second cohort will commence in October.

Challenges Encountered:

  • Budget Constraints:
    • The project initially underestimated the costs associated with hiring professional trainers. However, after negotiations, the trainer agreed to the budgeted fees, allowing the project to proceed without requiring any adjustments to the original budget.
  • Diverse Learning Paces:
    • Variability in participants’ grasp of course material necessitated differentiated task assignments. While fast learners were encouraged to advance, slower learners received additional support until reaching proficiency.

Testimonials: One participant shared: “The tailoring journey has not only helped me gain valuable skills but also boosted my confidence in my abilities. This newfound confidence will enable me to pursue my goals with determination.” Silistine Kirui, Project Participant.

Next Steps:

  • Finalise preparations for the graduation of the first cohort.
  • Initiate the second cohort’s training in October.
  • Monitor the business progress of the first cohort and provide support as needed.
  • Create a clear and structured protocol to assess the success of participants over time, focusing on business sustainability and community impact.
  • Initiate forums for graduates to engage with other young women in the community, sharing their experiences and inspiring others to participate in the program.
  • Formulate and implement a marketing plan to promote the products created by participants, increasing visibility and sales potential.

Conclusion: The Young Women Master Tailoring project is making significant strides toward achieving its objectives, empowering women through vocational training and entrepreneurship. While substantial progress has been made, there are key aspects that remain incomplete. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for maximising the project’s overall impact and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the businesses being established by the young women. Continued planning and resources will be necessary to facilitate these aspects as the project evolves.

Thank you for your continued support in empowering these young women and fostering positive change in their community.

iMPACT direct

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