Ruth has Courage: A Start-Up Business

Ruth is a former student of FCTrelief. Having successfully completed her training as a tailor, she is now taking the plunge and launching a start-up business. We hope this will be another success story.

Gordon Merk

Training in Chikupi

After successfully completing 'Grade 12' – already a milestone for many Zambian school pupils – Ruth undertook an apprenticeship as a dressmaker at the Chikupi Institute for Vocational Training. We reported on this. Our guests from Switzerland visited the trainees in Chikupi. They were delighted with everything they saw and heard. The aim after completing an apprenticeship is to build a livelihood – and that is exactly what Ruth is working on now!

Guests from Switzerland with Akim, James and Ruth in Chikupi

Start-Up Business

Starting your own business as a young woman in Zambia is a challenge and takes courage. But Ruth is a brave young woman. With support from FCTrelief, she has set up her own small tailoring workshop. After returning to Linda, Ruth initially stayed with Anni, our long-standing seamstress. Anni has been sewing uniforms for our pupils for years. This year, Ruth has been helping her with this task. Ruth has also received her first commission from FCTrelief: to sew uniforms for the cooks.

 Ruth with the cooks Beatrice and Irene (left) and Helper Priscilla (right)

Anni is a loving grandmother to some of our young women from difficult backgrounds. But she is also a mentor, as in Ruth’s case. Ruth has not only learnt the trade of dressmaking, but also the necessary skills for planning purchases, marketing and building a client base.

Ruth is originally from Linda, and her younger sister was also part of the programme. Her mother had to move with the children to Chilanga (south of Linda). This was because her father died at an early age in a tragic accident – something that, sadly, happens all too often in Zambia. Ruth is now reunited with her mother and siblings and is setting up a small business.

Ruth with her mother (middle) and Anni (left)

Future through Education

Our support means a great deal to Ruth. It gives her the chance to build a future for herself and make a living now that she has completed her training. It won’t be easy, but Ruth is courageous. We will continue to support her – if necessary – because we believe it is worthwhile helping young people like her to become independent.

Thank you for your support – it makes a huge difference!

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