top of page

Togo’s economy grew by 5.5% for a five-year period, ending in 2016, which is higher than in most Sub-Saharan countries.  Though there have been great strides in the history of the nation, Togo suffers from extreme poverty.  According to UNICEF, “81.2% of Togo’s rural population lives below the poverty line (on less than 2USD$/day), making it one of the world’s poorest countries.  Poverty affects both men and women, however, women are affected more disproportionately 

The Sewing and Embroidery (SEW) Girls Can Learn Program is a professional apprenticeship initiative aimed at equipping young women with critical sewing and embroidery skills necessary for national certification, thereby facilitating their financial independence. Participants receive comprehensive training in machine operation fabric selection, design principles, and essential business competencies, including marketing and financial management. This program is dedicated to empowering participants to either launch their own enterprises or secure employment within the sewing industry, while also promoting sustainable development in Togo through vocational, financing seminars, and life skills training.

The Sewing and Embroidery (SEW) Girls Can Learn Program is a professional apprenticeship initiative aimed at equipping young women with critical sewing and embroidery skills necessary for national certification, thereby facilitating their financial independence. Participants receive comprehensive training in machine operation fabric selection, design principles, and essential business competencies, including marketing and financial management. This program is dedicated to empowering participants to either launch their own enterprises or secure employment within the sewing industry, while also promoting sustainable development in Togo through vocational, financing seminars, and life skills training.

Empowering Young Girls Through Sewing: A Journey of Transformation

At Hope Commission International Inc, we believe that empowering young girls through skill development is not just about teaching a trade but about transforming lives and shaping futures. Our Girls' Sewing Project, which started in 2019, has become a beacon of hope for many young girls who once felt abandoned and without a clear path forward. Today, we are excited to share the incredible progress and the inspiring changes that are making a lasting impact.

 

From Challenges to Breakthroughs

When we first launched the program, we partnered with a single sewing shop to train 4 girls. While 2 girls completed the program successfully, we realized that the model was financially unsustainable, with costs reaching up to 700000 XOF per girl, about 1270 USD. As a ministry with limited resources, we knew we needed a new approach to continue empowering more young girls.

 

A New Strategy: Empowering Choice and Ownership

We shifted our approach by allowing the girls to choose their own sewing shops where they could learn and grow. This change gave them a sense of ownership over their training while significantly reducing the financial burden on us. Now, instead of covering room and board, we only cover the cost of training and certification, bringing the cost down to just 250000 XOF per participant, about 450 USD.

 

Bigger Impact, Brighter Futures

More Girls, More Opportunities

Thanks to this shift, we are now able to sponsor more girls who are passionate about learning sewing at different stages of their training.

 

Increased Ownership and Responsibility

The girls take charge of their learning journey, ensuring they stay committed and focused on their goals.

Sustainable Growth

With a more sustainable model in place, we can now reach and train more young women who are eager to change their lives through vocational skills.

 

Success Stories That Inspire

Four of our talented girls have successfully graduated and obtained their State CFA certifications. Three of them have already started their small businesses from home while they dream of opening their own sewing shops.

Hope for the Future

Currently, 11 girls are enrolled in the program, with 4 set to graduate in 2025 after passing their State exams. We are not just training them but equipping them to become leaders and entrepreneurs in their communities.

 

How You Can Be Part of This Movement

We still have 5 girls whose training contracts need to be settled before their exams in August 2025, and one girl requires a birth certificate to register for her 2026 exams. Your support can make a life-changing difference for these girls.

 

Partner with Us Today

  • Sponsor a girl’s training for just 250000 XOF, 450 USD

  • Help us secure the documents needed for future certifications

  • Support us in launching microfinance opportunities for graduates

 

Sowing Seeds of Hope for Generations to Come

Every stitch, every lesson, and every opportunity provided through this program is a seed of hope that grows into a brighter future. These young girls are not just learning how to sew but learning how to shape their destinies and impact their communities.

 

Be a Part of This Life-Changing Journey

Together, we can continue to empower young girls to rise above challenges, embrace their potential, and build a future filled with possibilities.

Ready to Make a Difference

Contact us today to learn how you can get involved and be a catalyst for change.

Hope in Action Empower Girls Sewing for Success Transforming Lives

bottom of page