The Hope Village Job Skills Training Center

Hope Village has an impressive training center / classroom – probably able to accommodate over 100 participants.  As part of the vision of Hope Village to help those who are vulnerable become “self-reliant”, a Job Skills Training program was launched just 2 months ago. 

Standing in the front of the big Hope Village Training Center: Don and Godwins are welcoming the students to the tailor training course

The timing was perfect for Don and his assistant Godwins to help launch this first training course, as they had just finished a farmers training program called “Farming God’s Way” back in March.  They took elements from that program and added their own twist for a “Business God’s Way” program in combination with a tailor-training course. 

With money donated by the ministry Annie’s Closet (more on this too … in a future blog!), we purchased sewing machines, hired a professional tailor, and held a 7-week full-time tailor training course that included business and financial modules for running an honest, profitable and charitable business in Malawi. 

The sewing machines are manual since most villagers 

do not have electricity in their homes. 

Chief Issoh is not only a chief, but a professional tailor as well. 

We hired him to teach the 7-week tailor course.

Amayi Jim is so happy to have the opportunity to learn a new skill.  

 7 weeks later, many beautiful clothes are hung in the classroom as evidence of a 
successful tailor training course.

Cecilia and Jim are studying for the final exam in the 

tailor training course.

 The final business exam: the students are pricing store items and calculating profit margins.

The first class of 9 students graduated 3 weeks ago. I was just as proud of Don and Godwins as I was for those who had persevered and graduated. And so thankful that Hope Village management shared this same vision, and with complete confidence and trust, gave Don the freedom and blessing to make it happen.

Graduation Day! The students proudly entered the room in newly sewn skirts and shirts, looking sharp and ready, we hope, to take the next step.