This project is fully funded
But other projects need your support
Keep track of this project as it gets up and running
Here are the headlines!
Sandra, Ruphine and Crystel’s journey of possibility
Sandra, Ruphine and Crystel opened their small stall on the side of a main road with lots of passing trade. They worked hard to present their stall well and networked extensively with family, friends and their church community.
Though it was a good location, it was struggle for both Ruphine and Crystel to travel to as both live quite a distance from the stall.
Gradually the work began to come in and Sandra found that she was getting enough work to pay the rent herself. This enabled both Ruphine and Crystel to re-think their own situation. As they live closer together they have decided to set up a joint stall outside Ruphine’s home. Though this was not to original plan, the women have been open and honest with each other and all have behaved generously as they made the decision to separate.
We’re delighted that Sandra’s business is going from strength to strength and she felt able to support Ruphine and Crystel to develop plans more suitable for them. She continues to have plenty of orders and has even started selling sandals as this is helping capture passing trade!
We look forward to sharing more about Ruphine and Crystel as they establish their joint-venture!
By Jenny Rooke
All the dressmakers have now found premises for their workshops and have begun their businesses.
Sandra and Ruphine have set up a business along with Crystel. They are renting a small cabin on the side of a busy main road. They have made their shop front eye-catching, so people will stop and visit them. They are also busy promoting their business to their own networks, including church community.
All the dressmakers attended a training session early November. It was run by Annie who is responsible for providing mentoring and support for the women. Training was given on keeping accurate records through the cash book system. Everyone knows that managing cashflow for a new business is crucial to long term success, so we’re delighted that Annie was able to provide this training.
Your donation has helped to make all of this happen!
Thank you for being the spark to the ‘Belle Couture’ Dressmakers of Kinshasa!
By Jenny Rooke
We are delighted that the ‘Belle Couture’ Dressmakers of Kinshasa’s spark project is now fully funded and we are currently sharing this good news with Sandra, Ruphine and the other dressmakers.
We thank everyone who donated so generously giving these amazing women the opportunity to set up their own tailoring businesses.
You have been the spark to help them realise their potential and become independent business women.
We will be in touch very soon with a thank you postcard followed by regular updates on how they are progressing as they get their poverty-fighting ventures underway.
Thank you for being the spark to Sandra, Ruphine and the Dressmakers of Kinshasa.
By Amy Simpson
Wow - amazing project!
May the Lord Jesus bless you all
Growing up in Congo, money was rarely available for education. Many of us didn’t have the chance to complete our studies and experienced awful things as we grew up. It’s hard to try and change our own circumstances when we’re exploited by people around us.
But we know that we are strong women and it was a pure moment of joy to be welcomed into the training centre with Project Possible. We now have the skills to design clothes, choose cloth and create beautiful tailor-made outfits. With these skills we have the potential to care for our own families and send our children to school.
Imagine the pride we could feel to have our own workshops and little shop fronts. That is the next step as we realise our potential and begin to build our independent businesses. We’re determined to make our new venture work and we have so many creative ideas.
“I am amazed. Compared to the situation I was in, I have become a woman of value. This business I have chosen, I will work six days a week for it. I will not abandon it.” Ruphine's dream
We’re working with Congolese partners, Bana ya Kivuvu, to help ensure this project supports each dressmaker in the best way possible and that the impact of good business will be felt across their community.
We’ll be working closely with our partners to: