‘I AM NOW LEARNING SOMETHING THAT WILL HELP ME BUILD A BETTER FUTURE’

Twenty-year-old Monica Akicia carefully stitches a circular hem at the bottom of a dress. “Look,” she says, “with this machine, it’s so easy. I love the electric sewing machines we received from Gered Gereedschap. You can sew the most intricate patterns with them. That’s what’s great about taking lessons here at FIDRA. Friends of mine who are taking courses elsewhere have never had lessons on an electric machine.”

MOTIVATED

Monica carefully examines the stitched hem. “I started this course with a lot of motivation. I want to learn a trade that will allow me to earn enough money. It’s that simple. After taking a few lessons, I was sure: I’m now learning something that will help me build a better future.”

STRUGGLE

“When my father passed away, my mother had to manage everything on her own.” Monica runs her hand over the dress. “We have a small piece of land, but it’s not enough to support a family with six children. My siblings and I left school as soon as we could to start earning money. It was really a struggle to survive. I want to learn as much as I can here about designing and making clothes so I can quickly start working as an independent tailor and support myself and my family. I never want to experience that poverty again.”