10 years of change: Kimbilio Sewing School's new graduates
Among the vibrant streets and cottage industries of Lubumbashi, more than a dozen women have joined the scene in recent months – all of them new graduates of Kimbilo Sewing School. They are the latest success story of an educational programme celebrating its 10-year anniversary this month – all 18 graduates proving that, given the opportunity to gain the skills and tools for clothing production and repair, women in Lubumbashi can quickly generate their own income.
Indeed, having graduated from their four-month course this summer, the graduates are already providing services for customers, supporting themselves and their families – even helping their own children get into school. In their first period of trading, they have used their training in measurement, cutting, stitching and financial management to produce a vibrant array of clothing.
From blouses to ‘boubous’
Naomie, for example, has herself created 20 dresses for sale, while Leticia has produced 17 girls' dresses and three women's outfits. Elsewhere, women such as Colette, Maombi, Clarisse and Sarah have specialised in blouses, children's clothing, garment repairs, men’s shirts, and ‘boubous’ – the traditional African long-sleeved robe.
Their wide variety of products reflects the quality and breadth of their dedication to their craft, but also their training, with Kimbilio Sewing School providing practical, resilient skills that meet local market demand and can be immediately turned into income.
They are also benefitting from equipment provided by the school, with every graduate receiving a hand-operated sewing machine that is suitable for homes without electricity, along with a starter kit containing fabric, scissors, thread and other essential materials.
Earnings already making life easier
Having the right equipment enables graduates to begin trading straight away – and the latest cohort are already benefitting from their earnings. Several have reported their school-age children are attending school, while others are contributing towards household food.
Some graduates described food provision in their homes as "positive", reflecting the early benefits of being able to earn independently.
As with all graduates, their success is carefully monitored by sewing teacher Mireille Misenga, who visits graduates, records their progress and provides ongoing guidance where needed.
More than 165 graduates and counting
Kimbilio Sewing School began in September 2016 and, since then, has supported 165 women to complete its course. More than 95% remain economically active at least a year after graduation.
The project is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: when mothers can earn an income, children benefit.
Kimbilio, which has supported vulnerable and street-connected children in Lubumbashi since 2009, recognises that strengthening families is one of the most effective ways to improve children's futures.
When mothers can earn, children can learn
The achievements of this latest group show once again that with practical skills, determination and the right support, women can build sustainable livelihoods for themselves and create brighter futures for their children.
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Thank you. It’s so good to get these regular updates. God bless you all in Kimbilio and Congo Children Trust.