Projects
Sewing School Congo
The “Congo Sewing School” operated by Helping Heroes is a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering single mothers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This project operates in a village called Bukavu and focuses on providing support, education, and resources to single mothers who face significant challenges, including poverty, gender-based obstacles, limited access to education, and economic hardship.
Training Structure: Nuturing Skills and Confidence
The success of sewing school is attributed to a structured training approach. At the core of this approach are key roles:
- Lead Instructor: A dedicated and experienced individual who guides participants through their journey, offering expertise and mentorship.
- Assistant Instructor: Supporting the Lead Instructor, this role ensures that participants receive personalized attention and guidance.
- Administrative and Records Secretary: Vital for maintaining the program’s integrity, this position handles documentation, ensuring that each participant commits to a professional study contract, underscoring the importance of maintaining high standards.
Curriculum: Building Expertise and Empowerment
The curriculum at the sewing school is carefully crafted to provide participants with comprehensive training. It encompasses essential skills such as measurement techniques, material layouts, and the production of sewn garments. The program consists of two six-month certification phases, each culminating in an assessment to gauge progress and mastery of skills. This structured approach not only imparts valuable skills but also instills a sense of achievement and confidence in the participants.
- Each student receives full-time sewing training for 12 months.
- Students receive a certificate of achievement upon completion
- One sewing machine is given to each student
- Starts with instructions on the blackboard and then pictures are provided showing the women how to unpack and assemble the sewing machines.
- They practice hands-on training shown by pictures of the women sewing on various pieces of material.
- The first items that are sewn are typically school uniforms, including shorts.
- More advanced training is done with the students making dresses
- Scoring by the panel of 3 reviewers shows the varying degrees of skill and advancement in the women’s training.
- After they graduate the students become seamstresses and generate funds from the sale of clothing during the course, that will go towards future training.
Impact
Helping Heroes’ commitment to empowering single mother business owners translates into a tangible impact. There are several notable achievements and the transformative changes brought about by the organization’s programs.
Success Stories and Graduates
As of 2022, the school has celebrated the graduation of 30 successful sewing artisans. These women have not only gained valuable skills but have also embarked on a journey of financial independence, often transitioning to full-time sewing work. Their ability to reinvest their earnings into material purchases and support their families exemplifies the organization’s mission in action.
Moreover, an additional 20 participants are enrolled in the sewing program in 2023.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Helping Heroes’ programs have achieved considerable success, challenges persist. One of the ongoing challenges is the high demand for individual sewing machines, with 4-6 women sometimes sharing a single machine. This limitation underscores the need for continued support to provide essential equipment for these budding entrepreneurs.
Notably, several graduates of the program have gone above and beyond by becoming instructors themselves. They are passing on their skills to others in their communities, thereby multiplying the impact of the organization’s efforts.