It’s currently Summer in Malawi and the shade and slight breeze wafting through the tailoring room at GOGO (Grace of God Children’s Home) brings some welcome relief from the heat. The women in our GOGO Group take a break from sewing and gather their chairs around in a circle to start recollecting about Phase 1 of the program that they just finished. Phase 1 took a lot of commitment; time, energy, perseverance and mental concentration. Not every woman made it through and our circle is smaller than it was when we started off on this journey in February. 

The mamas admit that Phase 1 was difficult. They had no experience in sewing. Even learning the rhythm of how to operate the machines seemed daunting in the first few weeks. The formulas for creating patterns seemed like a foreign language. But now, here they are, 7 months later and they stuck with it and finished Phase 1. Mary shares that she feels happy to have stuck with the program and is proud of what she has accomplished. Malita adds that it’s a real boost and she feels a sense of pride for what she’s learned. 

Alice has a beautiful smile and shares about her dreams as she gazes out the window. She explains how she wants to provide for herself and not have to depend on her parents. She hopes to stand on her own and be able to send her children to school. The women explain that they had this idea before starting the training with Ufulu Groups but now, after the training, they really believe it can happen. The training helped them see the “how” of what they hoped to accomplish and that their dreams are now growing because it’s actually a possibility. 

We chatted about the Business Training portion of their training. The women explain that they now know how to market themselves. They feel confident moving into an area and being able to assess the environment to see if their businesses can be successful. They have learned how to save and are all now investing in a Group’s Savings Plan in their local communities. They admit how the business classes have given them the confidence that they can actually start a business with their skill they have learned. 

Next, we shifted the conversation over to the Christian Trauma/Healing Counseling sessions. Most of the women shared that they had never heard of the concept of counseling before they entered into those classes. Malita admitted that the class helped her think through her life and sort through her burdens. She feels lighter now. Mary shared that the class has helped her curb old habits of dealing with hurt and unforgiveness. It has opened her mind and helped her realise that behaviours can be changed and she is now reacting to things differently. Mary’s young son runs into class during this conversation with a half eaten mango. He lays his head on his mom’s chitenje skirted lap as he munches on the juicy fruit. His mom gently strokes his head, I can’t help but wonder the changes going on with parent/child relationships as these women have bravely faced their past traumas and are emotionally healthier for it.

Alice speaks up next and all the women break into laughter and nod their heads. She shares that the counseling has had an impact, but even just the daily routine of coming to training every day has added some structure to her life. They all agree that the program has helped them stay out of trouble and given them something to look forward to each day. 

Now, these mamas move into Phase 2 which is focused on building their businesses with their skills. The pre-school and lunch program have phased out as the women are now earning money and able to start paying for these items themselves. They are working on gaining customers, holding a high standard for their goods, and saving money. 

 

 

We are kicking of Winter here in Malawi by launching our second Group of 2019, Grace Group.

Grace Group is kicking off in June 2019, in partnership with Grace Foundation. 

Come get to know Grace Foundation a little more! 

Grace Foundation is a Malawian Non-profit Organization. Their vision is to create a safe and supportive community for orphans and vulnerable children, the elderly, girls and women. Grace Foundation hosts a community based children’s outreach program in area 38, Lilongwe. On a day-to-day basis, you can find the leadership at Grace Foundation teaching children in their after- school tutoring classes, dishing up lunch in their feeding program, and giving much needed support and relief to the families they serve. 

Grace Foundation desires to strengthen families in their area through economic empowerment. They want to see the  families they serve be financially stable so that they can care effectively for their children and are also able to pay for school fees and medical bills. This is where the partnership with Ufulu Groups comes in to play. Our hope is through this partnership, many families will become financially stable and able to provide for their families what Grace Foundation is currently providing. This will result in families in the community being empowered. 

Ufulu Groups has enrolled 8 vulnerable guardians from the Grace Foundation program along with their 12 children. This  all Woman Group will be learning the ins and outs of the Hair and Make-up Industry. Not only will the women learn different skills of how to style hair and apply make-up, but they’ll be learning how to take those skills and launch them into a business to care for and provide for their families. As always with our Groups, the women will also be participating in weekly Trauma Groups and learning how to find hope and healing through a relationship with Jesus and therapeutic work. An on-site day care will be established to care for the children while their mamas are in class all day. 

 

Learn more about Grace Foundation on their social media sites.

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Ufulu Groups is thrilled to be partnering with Tiza Chandwe of Tiza Designs.

Tiza has generously offered to create designs specifically for Ufulu Groups.We’d love for you to get to know a little more about Tiza Designs!

Tiza was born and raised in Malawi and from a very young age, she had a keen eye for creating beauty. When Tiza finished Secondary School, she moved to Cape Town, South Africa and earned her three year diploma from Capetown College of Fashion Design.

 

 

Tiza’s beautiful and modern designs have been showcased at the Africa Fashion Week in London in 2016 along with designs featured at the Africa Fashion and Arts Festival. One can even spot Miss Malawi 2018 looking gorgeous in Tiza Designs. Tiza’s describes her style as, ”I want the modern woman to wear my clothing and not the clothing to wear the woman. I aim at adding African twists to my designs as was evidenced by my recent collection.” (source www.onevybe.com)

 

 

When we met with Tiza to discuss a possible partnership, we instantly fell in love with her stunning work and her generosity to give back to other Malawian women. She expressed that she has been thinking about the talents that God had given her and the success He was providing, and she wanted to find a way to give back.

 

 

Tiza has created some gorgeous pieces exclusively for Ufulu Group women. The pieces are beautiful, on trend, and also designed for women who are in the process of learning how to sew. Tiza is working hand in hand with our trainor, Olipa, to ensure that her patterns are replicated in skill and quality. 

Ufulu Groups counts it a great privilege to be partnering with Tiza Designs and we’re so excited to work together to empower women here in Malawi. 

Follow Tiza Designs on:

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