Nyamapanda is a small growth town right on the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It’s a favourite stop for the long distance lorry drivers as theytravel through to Harare and beyond. Single women with little money or hope earn a livingthrough sex work here but things are changing….
The mayor of the town had once received training from Christian Aid partner Silveira House,so when he saw those living in the town with no trade and low self esteemhe asked Silveira House to help.
Today Nyamapandahas been transformed. Mother of four, Kesia Tafura, is part of a fourteen strong Sewing Group that have their own Chairperson and secretary. After three weeks initial training from Silveira House on the basics of needlework they were given fabric, thread and hand sewing machines to start producing items to sell. Kesia is proud of the school uniforms and trousers they have made and explains how they still have difficulty with zips in men’s trousers!
“Silveira House have promised more training in this,” she laughed. Local mums too are delighted with the baby clothes they are able to buy in the local market.
It is amazing what a little training does. Together the group bought a cow which they sold to the butcher for a seventy dollar profit. Kesia said, “The money is going back into the kitty to buy more material so we can expand to sell in Mozambique. Life is busy, we have lots of orders”
Through Silveira House the women have also received training on HIV prevention. When asked how the course had changed her life one of the ladies laughed excitedly,
“I toldmy husband to practice safe sex and get tested. This has made my life better now.”
Kesia is confident that the training and support the group has received from Silveira House has turned all their lives around. A few of the women are no longer engaged in sex work and live on the income they get from the sewing group’s business.
“On behalf of our group we want to say thank you for your support. We couldn’t make uniforms at the beginning, now we can. Many more want to join our group and learn these skills because it gives girls a chance to earn and be financially independent. “
Commitment for Life