GANTA, Nimba – Twelve women have graduated from the Gompa District Methodist Women Organization Training Center after they received training in tailoring for nine months.
The program has now trained at least 80 women, as it marks its 10th graduation exercise.
Yei Weegon, the program coordinator, said the program was initiated in 2013 by a retired Methodist church leader from the United States, Janice Fronk, to cater to vulnerable women who had limited sources of income.
“When they retired her, she decided to help those who are in need to learn this same trade to help themselves,†Weegon said of Fronk’s decision to start the program. Weegon said the program recruited market women and others who were interested in learning the trade “so that they can be a better wife tomorrow.â€
At the end of the program, the women receive a set of sewing machine and a package that allows them to start their own businesses.
“The ones that graduated before, most of them are doing very well—some of them have their own shops where they are doing their sewing and getting something for their families,†she added. Some of the women even decided to open shops together, Weegon said.
Thompson Yormie, who trained the women, said it was difficult training individuals who were from a variety of backgrounds. However, he said he trusts the women to impact society from the knowledge gained.
“I am even trying to open one big shop in town so that they can be there sewing, because I know that they can do the work,†he said.
Weegon is encouraging other women to take advantage of the program, as it is expected to start its 11th training cycle in September.
“We are encouraging all our young women to came and learn, because after the training, you will be awarded with a certificate and one sewing machine,†she said.
Louise Y. Bartuah, one of the beneficiaries from the recent class, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.
“For me, I was not even able to put thread in a needle, but now I can sew my own clothes, and clothes for other people,†she said. “I am going to open my shop and be doing my one or two things.
Featured photo by Arrington Ballah