Maombi sits, baby in lap, her foot rocking rhythmically back and forth to power the sewing machine, practicing the latest in what she's learning at the Mumosho Women's Center sewing workshop.Life became very difficult after her father died in the 1996 war in Congo, and she helped her mother cook, clean, and farm, too poor to attend past the fourth grade in elementary school.One day, at the Peace Market, where neighbors from the various villages that make up Mumosho gather to buy and sell vegetables, fruit, fish, and small items, she learned about the sewing workshop. Maombi started to dream of the day that she could start her own business, and support her mother and her new child.
"Being part of the sewing program has helped me gain hope again," Maombi says. "When I meet with others I feel I am not alone. Every day I am clean because I cannot come to the group dirty, my mother is encouraging me to be a loyal participant in the group! My life has changed and I am hoping for a future now!"There is such dignity in choosing, daily, to show up. To be loyal, and to pursue your goals. Maombi is an inspiration. What would you like to tell her? We'd love to pass along your support to her and the other women in Congo - leave a note in the comment section, and Amani will translate and post them at the Women's Center, so they are surrounded by your encouraging words!We're raising money to buy Maombi and her fellow sewing students kits upon graduation. $195 purchases a pedal-powered machine for them to use, despite having no electricity, as well as the fabrics, scissors, and threads and tools to launch their work. Every dollar makes a difference and changes the lives of these women. Please consider donating today.Read more stories here:
- Claudine on Coming Back to Life & the Sewing Workshop
- Creating New Stories for Women: Sewing, Reading, Farming Fundraiser
- Sewing students and grads: Cikwanine, Cozi, Ernata, Safi, Amie, Bienvenie, Evelyn
- the women and girls in the literacy program,& Marhonyi, one of the literacy course teachers.
- the women learning agriculture lessons on the shared farm, & a second shared farm at the Mumosho Women's Center
- the community conversation (women AND men!) on the importance of family planning and contraception
- the animal husbandry / goat program
- the women who weave beautiful baskets
- the school kids: girls at the top of their classes
- & meet Amani, community builder, leader, and visionary! Watch the video to experience his corner of Congo here.