We wanted to update you on our first Lilongwe group and progress so far! We are over halfway through with the New Beginnings Group and have learned so many valuable lessons as we continue to develop our programs!
The hair training is moving along phenomenally! The mamas have learned how to care for natural hair. They have become efficient in different types and styles of braids. They have mastered extensions and weaves. Over the next few months, the women will tackle steaming and wig making. Already, several of the moms have developed customers near their homes with the skills they have learned!
The make-up training is progressing as well! The women had practicals a couple weeks ago where “customers” came in and had their make-up done. The mamas were graded on professionalism, communication, and application. The day was so beneficial to give the women feedback on where they are excelling and which areas they need to improve on in the upcoming months.
The daily lunch is running smoothly. The mamas and their children look forward to this break in the middle of the day where they can come together and share a nutritious meal and reenergize before the afternoon classes.
The Business and Budgeting Class is equipping the women with the necessary tools to be successful in their Hair and Make-up Businesses. The women are currently learning how to construct a business plan and think through the strengths and weaknesses of their future businesses. Learning how to budget and save are such critical tools needed to be sustainable in the future!
Our Group Counseling has been SUCH a joy and an area where we are seeing tremendous impact. The women have been learning about trauma, shame cycles, healing, and where Jesus is in their pain. We will definitely continue to use this program in every group as we can see healing take place along with chains being broken and ufulu (freedom) being found.
The Pre-School program continues to be a place where the children look forward to coming each day! The Mothers have been giving feedback to the teachers of the growth they are seeing in their child at home. New songs, Finger plays, and English words are popping up at home and surprising the Mamas! We continue to develop this program and work on a model that can be reproducible in all of our groups.
We are excited to share that we have a new group in the works and we can’t wait to tell you more about it in the upcoming weeks!
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