Hope for a better life
“I remember the time spent with other women, it was not only about learning sewing skills but also a time to share stories and ideas; because of this sewing project, I have gained sewing skills and hope for better life.”
I am a committed member of the Tumaini Refugee Women’s Group. I remember the time spent with other women, it was not only about learning sewing skills but also a time to share stories and ideas. It was a stress healing moment but this corona has messed everything. I am very grateful to be a member of this group.
I am from Burundi but other women are from DRC/Congo but they accepted me although back home we see each other as enemy due to political and ethnic conflict. When I first joined this group I did not know anything about sewing, but today I know how to use a sewing machine and how to sew a skirt.
Now I have hope that in the future I will work and earn money to help my husband who is working as a car guard to support our children. The only big problem for us in this country is xenophobia. My experience with the group is positive. I am accepted in the group, I learnt sewing skills and working in a team of people who are not from my country.
Alima is seen as a driver of change because, “People who will see me in the near future will see a change in me and also when I share my testimony about the group. A lot has changed in my life. Before I join this group I was staying at home not doing anything expecting my husband to provide for me and for our children but I learnt from our group that I have to work to help my husband.
I had no hope but now I am hoping that after this sewing lessons I will be able to earn income. Because of this sewing project I have gained sewing skills and hope for better life. This project has positively impacted my life in many ways such as socially, economically, and emotionally. I was responsible of cleaning the place after our training and also I was cooking lunch for the group. I have gained sewing skills, love, working, and solidarity.
SADAG has been responsible for this change by providing to us sewing machines, materials, transport, food, and paying for our teachers. My future plan is to start my own clothing brand and help other people.