By Veronica Mrema
On the day they arrived at the training camp, they introduced themselves as “tailors.” That was how they had always viewed themselves back home, where they carried out their daily work.
Making clothes was the profession they had chosen. They were self-employed, working hard to earn a living and provide daily bread for themselves and their families.
But that perception was not the same when they left after completing a special 40-day training programme under an international trainer.
Thirty young women from different parts of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar gathered at the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) college for the programme.
It was a valuable opportunity made possible through the support of Sisters in Imaan, Fashion for Empowerment, Demure by Shiba and VETA Chang’ombe. The participants did not have to pay a single cent for the training.
Aged between 15 and 28, these 30 young women may appear to be a small number at first glance. But looking beyond the number reveals something much bigger.
“Because every single girl who has been helped here has a family depending on her.
“So, when you talk about 30 girls, you are talking about 30 families and 30 dreams. When we help these young people, we help the community,” says Khadija Mjatta, Chairperson of Sisters in Imaan.
The organisation believes that providing young people with education and skills gives them the tools they need to build their lives and make a positive contribution to their families and communities.
“This programme was not designed simply to teach young people how to sew. It was intended to equip them with skills that can enable them to become self-employed and earn an income,” says Khadija.
Natasha Jese is among the young women who benefited from the programme. She says the training has given her a new perspective on her talent.
“What I am going to do now is become a fashion designer and enter the market as an emerging designer. Inshallah, one day I will become a great designer,” says Natasha.
The young women received practical training in producing a variety of fashion items, including clothing, handbags and hats. The training focused on adding value to their products and creating high-quality designs with greater creativity and appeal.
“This stage was intended to broaden their thinking and help them realise that they are not just tailors,” says Shiba, adding:
“They are fashion designers. When you add creativity, you add value to a product, and that can enable you to earn a good income.”
Salma Yusuph, another beneficiary of the programme, says the training has equipped her with valuable skills.
“I have learned so much, so get ready because this young designer is getting to work. Expect me to promote our country,” she says.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony for the programme’s first cohort, Wilhard Soko, the VETA Dar es Salaam Regional Manager, commended the efforts of Sisters in Imaan and its partners.
“This collaboration is part of efforts to ensure that young people acquire practical vocational skills that can be directly applied in their lives,” he says.
Soko says VETA Chang’ombe was selected for the programme because of its infrastructure and facilities for Textile and Fashion Design training.
“VETA has continued to expand its network of training centres across the country, from approximately 29 centres in 2001 to 80 centres today,” he says.
He adds that the government has a comprehensive plan to increase the number of VETA colleges to 145 centres.
“We therefore continue to invite other stakeholders to join us. Personally, I have a great passion for vocational training.
“Young people who complete primary school or secondary education should come and join our colleges to acquire vocational skills. These colleges are spread across the country.
“Because in vocational training, skills are money. You design a product, make it and sell it—and you earn an income,” he emphasises.
Chapisha Maoni