Tailoring: A Small Business Skill for Afghan Women

Thank you for your generous support of our project. Rather than give you just the numbers of women taking part in our sewing classes, we would like to share two stories of women whose lives have been transformed by our sewing program. The story of this young girl exemplifies the positive effect that the Afghan Institute of Learning’s programs are having on Afghan women.

Latifa began studying sewing in one of AIL’s centers a year ago. She finished the six month course, and decided to come back for more education, taking the sewing class again and also taking a literacy course.  Latifa says that because of AIL’s courses, “I can read and write, and I sew clothes professionally to earn money. I am thankful to AIL for giving me this opportunity.”

In another of our centers, a young woman named Jamila shared a similar story:

“I am so proud because now that I have learned to sew, I can support my family. I went to the bazaar and bought 20 meters of cloth and was able to make nine sets of clothing. I went back to the bazaar and was able to sell the clothing for a 100% profit. I have changed so much since last year. I am now able to work in my community. My sewing skills have also helped my family. I was able use some of my profits to purchase stationary for my sister to use at school, and she was so happy to have it.”