Education Afghanistan Project #62498

Empower Afghan Mothers to Start Home Businesses

by Sahar Education

Empower Afghan Mothers to Start Home Businesses

Project Report | May 3, 2024
Threads of Hope Graduates Share Their Stories

By Allie Renar | Operations & Finance Manager

In April, 40 women graduated from the Threads of Hope program in Kabul. Equipped with the knowledge of tailoring, the ability to read and write, and the confidence to make their way in the world, these women shared their incredible stories in the video below.

Each woman was gifted a sewing machine at graduation and the hope and pride they feel is palpable in their testimonies.

"The reason that I was illiterate was that the first time when the Taliban came to Afghanistan, I didn’t get a chance to study; even at that time, I was trying to go to literacy classes. I remember one day when I returned from a course, we had guests at home. I asked who they were. They said you got engaged, and I didn’t know that I was getting engaged. I was 15 years old when I got engaged; I was not even 16 when I married." - Sakina

"Now, I am happy that I joined this workshop. It organized my daily life. I care for my children and prepare to attend the course when I wake up. I learned sewing now I can make clothes for myself and others as well. In literacy class, I have learned letters and I am helping my children with their studies. I feel confident, know things, and can read the signs when we go outside. Also, I am more aware of my rights now that women have the same rights as men in society. In the future, there will be similar programs for women in Afghanistan like us who have never been to school and stayed home." - Nasima

"I want to open a sewing class for women in the future. My trainers are my mentors, and I want to be like them in the future and serve my community. I want this project to continue so other women can benefit from this." - Nillofar

You can change the lives of an entire Afghan family by educating one mother.

Round 2 of the Threads of Hope program is set to begin this month. Help Sahar Education impact the lives of more women who are desperate for a chance.

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Women Unchained: Threads of Hope gives new life to women

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Mar 21, 2024
Empowering Women in Kabul

By Allie Renar | Operations & Finance Manager

The Threads of Hope program is not merely about learning to sew; it’s a holistic approach to education. Over the last 15 weeks, participants have delved into crucial health workshops covering a broad spectrum of topics from reproductive health and menstruation hygiene to mental health and anger management. These sessions offer more than just information; they provide life-changing insights and tools for managing one’s health and well-being.

The program has placed a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, tackling issues like early marriage and domestic violence through open discussions and shared experiences. It’s a space where stories of early marriage, often a silent burden carried by many of the participants, are brought to light. One student’s revelation about leadership within the household sparked conversations about women’s roles beyond traditional expectations, challenging norms and encouraging new perspectives on what it means to be a leader.

Tailoring Success: More Than Just Stitches

The tailoring classes offered by Threads of Hope have been a cornerstone of practical achievement. Participants have mastered the art of cutting fabric, sewing without errors, and even using a sewing machine with proficiency. This skill set has already enabled some to start their own small businesses, sewing dresses for others, and thus contributing to their families’ incomes. The sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from creating something with one’s own hands cannot be understated; it’s a powerful testament to their growth and independence.

The Power of Literacy

Beyond the threads and needles, the program has opened the doors to literacy for these women. Starting from the basics of the Faris alphabet to simple mathematics, they have embarked on a journey of discovery. Being able to read signs, write their names, and engage with the world through written words is a newfound freedom. It’s a tool that not only empowers them in their daily lives but also lays the foundation for lifelong learning and curiosity.

A New Horizon

The transformation witnessed over the first 15 weeks of the Threads of Hope program is profound. Women, who once saw themselves as confined to the roles of housewives, now stand as beacons of change and empowerment within their communities. Their journeys from uncertainty to confidence, from ignorance to awareness, and from dependency to self-reliance are inspiring.

You can change the life of a woman for $65 a month!

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