Fourteen women recently graduated from an Operation Blessing-assisted Sewing Centre in Uke village, Nasarawa state (North-central Nigeria). The training lasted 13 months and culminated in the presentation of certificates to those who successfully completed the course.

The young women were very excited to have acquired new skills and look forward to using their sewing skills to earn a better living than what they were previously used to.

One of the trainees, Maria, a mother of three with a fourth child on the way, said she will use the skills she learned to sew clothes for sale so she can help her carpenter husband feed their family. “God has really helped me to become someone in life through this training program. I used to envy women who had other skills  because I thought I would spend the rest of my life as a poor farmer. I really thank God for using Operation Blessing to give me this chance to make something better of my life. May God bless you for helping us,” said a visibly overcome Maria.

Victoria, 24, was also happy to be graduating with new skills and explained that she used to sell chickens for a living at the local market but could barely make ends meet. “I’m so happy that I’ve learned how to sew. It is an important skill. I was in despair because my chicken business was not doing well, and I had nothing else to do until I heard that Operation Blessing was providing free training in sewing for young women like myself,” said an excited Victoria, who hopes to open up her own sewing shop and train other young girls.

The Operation Blessing (Nigeria) Manager Rev. John Kalma prayed with the successful graduates, wishing them success in all their future endeavors. He explained that OB’s objective was to transform communities by carrying out a number of project activities that will have a significant impact on the lives of the people in the host communities. (Uke village had previously benefited from an OB Living Water Well and OB Medical Mission).

The OB Sewing Centre in Uke has been so successful in the community that more women than can be trained at one time have sought to register for the next training, resulting in the search for bigger premises! OB Nigeria is truly making a difference in the lives of the people of Uke.

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