In 2019, the Rotary Club of Hall provided $3,500 to support the Global Alliance for Peace (GAP) Women’s Tailoring Classes.
The project aimed to train a group of 10 widowed refugees in sewing and to purchase sewing machines for the graduates of the program.
Jerome Rugaruza passed on thanks from the Congolese Community for our support and reported that 12 refugee women from the Democratic Republic of Congo (living in Kenya) graduated early in 2020.
“The six-month course enabled participants to gain skills that allow them to start their businesses,” said Jerome. “Recipients got a certificate plus a sewing machine to ensure the skills gained are not wasted.”
The sewing machines were purchased from additional funds received by Global Alliance for Peace during the year.
“The school is called “Pendo Dorcas Tailoring School” – Pendo means love. Dorcas is a famous lady who used to sew clothes for orphans and widows for free. When she died the cries of the orphans and widows brought her to life again. The teacher is Bonne Annee (New Year) Mahigire, with over 40 years of experience in sewing.”
The aim is of the six-month training program is to empower disadvantaged refugee widows to become economically independent.
Post-COVID, the aim will be to also teach English. The organisation will continue advocating for these refugees to come to Australia for a better life.
Unfortunately, the project has now been put on hold due to the danger of infection from COVID-19.
