A future in tailoring for 30 women

After lots of planning and preparation, we are thrilled to communicate the commencement of a new program in Qinghai Province, China in partnership with the amazing HUSKY ENERGY. Thanks to Husky Energy (donor), Shamtse Charity (implementing partner), and the Shenzhen Charity Federation CAPTIVATING Fund, 30 young women and single-moms are now one-week into their 6 month full-time vocational skills training program – a program that aims to eventually transition all successful graduates into paid employment as professional tailors.

So, what makes this training program so special? All of these young women and single moms have missed most of their education. Most are largely illiterate. And, all of them have been assessed as being “as-risk” without intervention and help. Many already have children of their own to care for and no real opportunity of stable income. Life is extremely challenging and tough for them. All that changes – starting now. A lot of hard work lies ahead for these women, and although not all will be successful, they now live with the real hope of genuine independence and financial stability for both themselves and their families. This is a dream-come-true opportunity.

Dejilamao was the very first girl accepted into the Husky Energy Tailoring Skills for Women Program. Like many others in the program, she didn’t progress past grade 1 in school due to a combination of poverty and prejudice. Now as a 25 year old divorced single mother with a 9 year old daughter, her current and future options are extremely limited. She currently has no fixed source of income, no housing, and no family support. Like all moms, she wants her daughter to have a better life than she has – so all her energy is focused on her little girl. She knows the value of education and wants to see her daughter complete her schooling – be something great in her community – in her world. With no stable income coming in, realizing this goal for her daughter is beyond reach. So much pressure for a girl – a young women whose life should be in it’s prime. Dejilamao was SO EXCITED to be accepted into this program and dreams of being a professional tailor capable to earn money far beyond her current dreams. We look forward to tracking her progress.

Photo above – Carrie [wearing the brown scarf] is Captivating’s Program Manager and Shamtse Charity’s Director. Here she is meeting with the Trainer/Project Coordinator [wearing the brown coat]. Together, they work hard to bring bright futures to each of the women in the Husky Energy Tailoring Skills Program for Women.

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