By Jennifer Hatton | Programs Officer
What a summer it's been! It brings me great pleasure to share this update with you about your impact for young survivors of modern slavery in Tanzania.
You'll be happy to know that the New Hope for Girls Sewing Shop is now up and running! The store opened in July to great success. In fact, the shop brought in $400 in its first week, making it an excellent opening week in Dar Es Salaam. The store is on its way to bringing sustainable income to support more than 30 girls rescued from modern slavery.
It is your gift that enabled the store to open. We can't thank you enough for your generosity.
The shop is called African New-Hope Sewing Supply Shop, or AFN. Eliya and Consoler have a vision of the shop as a “one-stop shopping” destination. Eliya says, “our customers really like that we offer a variety of sewing products so that they only have to go to one store. It sets us apart from other stores in the neighborhood”. The store is located in the city center/commercial district of Dar Es Salaam.
Another exciting event of this summer was the African Road Learning Trip to Tanzania and Rwanda. Coinciding with the shop opening, Learning Trip members were able to visit New Hope for Girls to see impact that Consoler and Eliya are making in the lives of young survivors of modern slavery. One Learning Trip Participant says, “I told my family that what I wanted to do most was stand in front of the New Hope for Girls family home and to know that what I’d heard about Mama Consoler’s work rescuing girls from modern slavery was real and successful. And there I was about to go in the door to meet all these lively, confident and happy young ladies. 34 girls ages 8-23…dream fulfilled. Everything else was a bonus.”
Another Learning Trip Participant says, “I saw with my own eyes the joy, intelligence, youthful exuberance of these loving girls, who know that no one will hurt them again. They have a clean, organized, peaceful household in which all girls talents and efforts are important. They can rely on being encouraged, being nurtured and secure. The feeling of love and acceptance was awe-inspiring. It may seem miraculous to read that two people can successfully raise 34 girls, but believe me, it feels even more miraculous to be there in person! Consoler is incredible, as is her devoted husband, Eliya!”
Two months in, the store is performing solidly. Eliya says, “we are happy with the progress of the shop, and we are learning the ABCs of doing business. We are also learning more about the market.” Eliya shared with us that the main goal for the near future is to find a bigger wholesale supplier to increase their inventory and lower their overhead costs.
You are the reason that these tremendous strides forward are able to happen!
There is still $3500 remaining to fully fund the New Hope for Girls Shop and make sure that these first steps are translated into long-term success. We invite you to deepen your impact and consider a second gift towards this meaningful project. You can continue to be a part of life transformation for young survivors of modern slavery.
By Jennifer Hatton | Programs Officer
By Kelly Bean | African Road Executive Director
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