Kimboti’s Journey of Possibility
13th May 2026
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, conflict and instability have left many families with few safe livelihood options. Women are especially vulnerable, with some feeling pressured into prostitution to provide for themselves and their children. Once caught in this cycle, escaping can feel nearly impossible.
Together with our partner, BOMO, we walk alongside 15 women each year, equipping them with tailoring skills, business training and spiritual support so they can build safe, sustainable livelihoods.
Just off the busy streets of Kinshasa, DRC, Kimboti* is in her studio drawing a new garment template for her pupils. Around her, young women lean forward, carefully noting measurements. The tailoring studio buzzes with quiet focus. There is confidence here. Laughter. Hope.
It’s hard to imagine that years ago, Kimboti was in a very different place. After surviving the trauma of prostitution and becoming pregnant, she was rejected by her family. She felt isolated.
But today, thanks to your generosity and Kimboti’s extraordinary courage, she is a beacon of hope to women in her community.
“I’m ready to share my story with joy.”
Turbulent upbringing
From an early age, Kimboti experienced hardship and was mistreated by most of her family.
Despite this, she worked hard to gain an education and to overcome challenges, but life took another turn when she became pregnant.
Not giving up, she moved to Kinshasa in search of opportunity. However, financial desperation led her to exchange sex for money and she became pregnant again.
Her sister stood by her during this difficult situation, and that support became a small but vital thread of hope.
A God-ordained encounter
One Sunday at church, Kimboti met a woman whose story sounded remarkably like her own. This woman had completed BOMO’s training programme and spoke openly about how it transformed her life.
For the first time, Kimboti saw a different future for herself.
Encouraged, she visited the training centre to ask if she could join the course. She was welcomed with a yes.
Learning more than a skill
In 2015, Kimboti began her tailoring training. She learned how to draft patterns, cut fabric and sew beautiful garments. But something even deeper was taking place.
Through counselling and spiritual support, Kimboti began to rediscover her dignity. She learned that her past did not define her. She found the strength to forgive those who had hurt her, and even herself.
By the end of the course, she described herself as independent, restored and valued within her family once more.
A decade of impact
Ten years later, Kimboti runs her own tailoring studio. She trains young women in sewing and business skills, passing on not only knowledge but belief, belief that change is possible.
Your support did more than transform one life. It sparked a ripple effect that has been spreading through her neighbourhood for over a decade.
And she isn’t finished yet.
Kimboti dreams of buying land to build a larger studio so she can train even more young women and girls, multiplying hope for the next generation.
One of them was Anvi. At first, she often slipped away from class to hide. Concerned, the teachers visited her parents and asked, “Can we find a way together to help Anvi feel comfortable coming to the centre?” The next day, her father walked her to class and stayed with her. He did this every day for a week, until she began arriving on her own, full of enthusiasm.
Thank you, your generosity is changing lives.
*name has been changed due to sensitivity.