Our level 1 sewing class in Djibouti completed one of their first projects of making bread bags. These bags are made from recycled flour sacks and local fabric. The skills they learn in making the bags allows them to make more and sell them in local markets. We have the women learn how to make bread bags because bread is a staple for every family in Djibouti and there doesn’t exist a product like this in the local markets.
First Race for 2018-2019 GirlsRun2 Team
Our 2018-2019 running season has begun! If you aren’t familiar with our Girls Run 2 program, then check out the website for more info.
One of the first races of the year was a race through the capital city of Djibouti.
One of our runner’s dad is a police officer and when she saw him at the race she was so excited!
We are so thankful for all your donations to the team. We rely on generous finaical gifts and gifts in kind like shoes, clothes, vitamins, and more to help us supply each girl on the team with uniforms, practice outfits, proper running shoes, nutritious food, and money for medical and school fees. You can donate to Girls Run 2 here.
Fall 2018 Project House
This year our Project House took on a new project—moving buildings! After months of searching we finally found a place to house our expanding classes, and hopefully will give us room to grow!
The women held an open house for the community to come by and shop their goods, like jewelry, bags, coffee, and more. We are so proud of these ladies and the skills they are learning to better their families and lives.
Fall 2017 Project House Classes Have Started!
Our project house in Djibouti has started their fall training classes. The project house is a place where young women, chosen and vetted by our local staff, come and learn valuable skills such as sewing and baking. Currently the girls are working on sewing camel bags. These bags are made from left over fabric donated to LIFE. The insides are lined with flour bags, which makes them easy to wipe clean. On the outside the girls trace and cut out shapes like camels and the continent of Africa. These bags are then sold at local bazaars.
The Fall 2017 sewing class!
One of the bags the girls are learning to make
One of the summer partcipants learning how to sew
US State Department Helps Fund Sewing Project
Financed by the American State Department through the Julia Taft Fund, Local Initiatives for Education (L.I.F.E.) was able to provide a place for 60 students from different parts of the refugee camp to come and learn how to sew. The students, in groups of 20, work three hours a day for three days a week. The students begin with little or no experience in sewing, and are taught by former students of the sewing project. Skills taught include basic cutting, advanced clothes creating, and maintenance of the machines. In February of 2016, 43 students graduated from the sewing center. These graduates are now able to use their skills to provide an income for their family.
UNHCR Newsletter Featuring Local Initiatives for Education (LIFE)
For a detail looked at L.I.F.E.’s work inside one of the refugee camps in Djibouti, check out the link below to the UNHCR Newsletter. We have been working with a group of women to teach them various sewing projects so they can provide income for their families.
UNHCR Newsletter - Click to Read