I am excited to give you this end of course report. Our girls graduated on the 2nd of September. The graduation ceremony was the most colorful we ever had. For the first time since 2019, we had graduation gowns which were designed and sewn by the girls. Additionally, our girls dressed Green Valley choir. We also made ladies and men’s clothes for the Global Encounters team. This amazing feat was done in one week.
Below is a recap of graduation activities.
Each girl got a sewing machine, certificate, and all the garments that she made during the course to take home.
The girls made dresses, skirts, and shirts for the Global Encounter team members from the USA that were staying at Habitation of Hope
Girls dressed in graduation gown and dressing the choir
Each girl made 25 garments
In addition to the sewing lessons, we had two guest teachers. Mrs. Nyamuda and Mrs McDevitt. Mrs Adina Nyamuda did a Spiritual Formation course with the girls, covering Old Testament, while Mrs. Olivia McDevitt took the girls through an intensive six-week cookery course.
So far, thirty-eight girls have graduated from Simira Sewing Skills since 2019. Reports that we have written to you show that the training is bearing fruits. Some of the girls started their own sewing business and some are working in reputable clothing companies. Seven girls from previous groups were there on the graduation day to cheer on and encourage the graduates.
The graduated girls have successfully completed their training in the following sewing courses:
Personal hygiene and appearance management
Taking correct body measurements
Sewing equipment and basic maintenance of them
Designing, pattern drafting
Fabric layout
Cutting and garment production (tailoring)
Enhancement or transformation of thrift clothing
Entrepreneur skills
Marketing
Quality control
We thank God that there were no issues or challenges we were not able to solve among the students.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the leadership of Hands of Hope Trust and Hands of Hope USA for making this training a success.
Thank you for helping us to help
Virginia Masuka (Simira Sewing Skills Facilitator)