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The sewing course started on 14 October 2024 and finished on 17 March 2025. Classes were 5 days a week from Monday to Friday and each class was about 2 hours.
19 students graduated with sewing machines and a certificate of completion. Out of 19, 17 are from Christian households and two students are Muslims.
The majority of young Christian girls in this village are working in Muslim houses as maids. When Eliza interviewed the students some of them reported mistreatment from their employers. We were able to provide them with an opportunity to learn sewing skills and earn an income from their own homes if they desire that.
From the teacher Rimsha: “I am happy we completed the course time. Students learned to make the basic Pakistan style clothes. It took two months for them to learn cutting but we still managed to finish on time.
From the students:
Shanaz: “I like that we always start our classes with prayer. Even though there are Muslim students with us but it was our testimony to pray in Jesus' name.”
Rubina: “Our teacher was really good in explaining things. She gave assignments according to our abilities and didn’t exclude anyone.”
Ruksana: “I am so grateful to you and your team for giving us the opportunity to learn and may we become successful.”
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Kalsume:
She is 34 years, widowed and has four kids, three daughters and one boy. She is living with her in-laws and works as a maid in three houses. She told me it was difficult for her to complete the course. Her in-laws were not giving her permission, but she managed to get the permission and completed the course. Her husband took debt from people and now she has to work under them. They deducted the debt from her salary and sometimes don’t give her any salary at all. She hopes to pay the whole debt with the help of new skills she has learned.
Rebecca:
She is 29 years old, married and has two sons. Her husband works in the brick kilns. He had debt before their marriage, and he is still working to pay it off. He is forcing her to work with him so they can pay the debt sooner. However, she doesn’t want to work in the kilns and that is why she wants to work from home so she can be with her kids and pay for their clothes and food. She is very happy that we gave her the opportunity to learn and gave her a machine to pursue her goals.
Saneha:
She is 20 years old, single and living with her father and sister. She has not gone to school but wants to work and make clothes. Her desire is to open her own shop in the city with her sister. She still has lots to learn but since Bright Hope World provided her with the sewing machine, she will be able to practice her skills before making different types of clothes. She is very grateful for the sewing machine and that she didn't have to pay for learning.
When we graduated the current students, eight more girls came and requested we give them the same opportunity. After talking with the teacher, she has 25 more young girls that want to learn sewing skills and complete the course with us.
Rimsha, the teacher, is currently leading prayer meetings where she invites current students and has fellowship with them. They want to work together rather than using their skills separately.
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The sewing course started on 14 October 2024 and finished on 17 March 2025. The classes were 5 days a week from Monday to Friday and each class was about 2 hours.
18 students graduated with sewing machines and a certificate of completion. All 18 students are from Christian households.
This was the first time we organized sewing courses in this village. The teacher told us that the majority of girls work in brick kilns - their family took a loan and now the children are forced to work with them. Currently the school is far away in the city, and many cannot afford to study but Bright Hope World provided them with opportunity to learn a skillset that can help them to be profitable. They can benefit personally and help their community.
From the teacher: “I enjoyed teaching. This was my first time teaching others. Even though a few students were older than me I was able to help them."
From the students:
Shazia: “I liked the class environment; everyone behaved well and treated each other with kindness. We learned how to make salwar kamez of different kind.”
Sumera: “I am thankful because this will help me support my children's education.”
Maria: “I am happy that such a course was offered to us. I did not go to school, but this was like school for me.”
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Yasimine:
She is 43 years, married and has three kids, one daughter and two boys. She is working in a brick kiln. Her husband took a debt for his father’s treatment, and they are working to repay the loan. She doesn’t like to work in brick kilns because she does not receive a daily wage. She worries her children will also work there too. She wants to use her new skills to provide proper and fully covered clothes for children and her family.
Raiza:
She is 36 years old, married and has two daughters. Her husband works as a farmer. His income is not enough to support everyone in the family. He has three sisters who are of age to get married, and he is using his savings for them. She wants to sell readymade clothes to support her family and focus on using her income on her kids and prepare for their future. She is grateful that because of Bright Hope World she was able to do something for herself.
Shamila:
She is 16 years old, single and living with her parents. She has studied until grade 10 and can read and write in Urdu. Her brother passed away in an accident last year. Now her father has to work in a brick kiln. She wants to help her father and mother financially. She will try to earn and save money for her wedding so the burden will be less on parents.
Next Steps
There are 20 more Christian students who want us to provide a sewing course again. We will act upon their request. There is a need in this community since the majority of Christians are under debt to the brick kilns. Our objective is to provide them with skills so they can be free.
We have established women prayer meetings which the teacher uses for follow-up with the students. Also, when I visit them we have a session regarding their goals and objectives, what problems they are facing and what are the possible solutions to overcome. However, this time I will encourage their partners and husbands to support them and take it as a family business.