(Left to right) Fatima, Michael, Christian, Abigail and Charity show a few of the finished items created in class. Michael, a professionally trained tailor, has been working as an instructor at the center since March.

ABUJA, Nigeria - There is a hum of activity taking place in the village of Abuja, Nigeria, and six women are behind it all. They are the first class of students at Operation Blessing's sewing center, a new microenterprise project designed to improve the lives of local residents.

Instructor Fatima looks on with pride as her students feed brightly-patterned fabrics through their sewing machines. Students are halfway through the six-month course and already boasting a technical skill set of sewing skirts, blouses, and pillows, knitting sweaters and hand-dying fabrics.

"I was looking for an opportunity to improve myself," said Charity, 33, a student and mother of two young children. Her husband works as an accountant in Abuja but it was not enough to make ends meet for their family. Fatima learned of the family's financial struggle and invited Charity to become a student in the course.

"This is the business I wanted to do. I'm very grateful," Charity said.

Fatima is assisted by another instructor, Michael, a professionally trained tailor who began volunteering at the center in March. "I want to help those with a vision for sewing," he said as he measured a piece of fabric.

Sitting next to Michael at her sewing station was Christian, 36. As a wife and mother, Christian said she is thankful for the opportunity to learn a skill that will help her provide for her family without taking her away from them.

"I'm looking forward to saving enough capital so I can manage my own sewing shop some day," she said.

In addition to seamstress skills, students are learning business principles and how to process orders for clothing and other popular items. All have plans to graduate this summer and open businesses of their own.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

This microenterprise venture is one of many Operation Blessing projects touching lives around the world. You can be a part of improving the quality of life for impoverished communities by supporting these and other life-changing programs.

 

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