Come Rain, Come Cyclones: The Story of Ruth in Mozambique

by Rita Jeremias, translated by Eduardo Mabote, edited by Angelina Mbulo

Ruth is an 18-year-old girl who never gave up on her dream. She recently graduated from high school and lives at home with her parents in Zambezia, Mozambique. She is also a member of the local church’s youth organization. After graduation, like many young people in her community, Ruth faced limited job prospects, but she had a passion for sewing and a dream of one day opening a small tailor shop.

When a sewing program was established in her community, she eagerly signed up to participate. Ruth is part of a group of 13 women and teenage girls involved in the Nicoaldala dressmaking project, a program supported by United Women in Faith. This livelihood skills training initiative is designed to help women and young people in Zambezia acquire sewing skills and start their own sewing businesses.

Enthusiasm for the Program

Ruth shared her enthusiasm for the program, stating that the opportunity to attend the training has allowed her to study something she has longed for but never believed she could achieve. The training has enabled her to work towards fulfilling her lifelong dream: opening a tailoring shop. She feels deep excitement for this work and believes that her work will enhance her daily life and the lives of those around her.

However, challenges remain. Recently, Cyclone Freddy destroyed the center, prompting the local women to relocate the center’s sewing machines to the home of the district president. The sewing machines require updates, and there is an ongoing need for teaching materials and supplies.

Despite these obstacles, Ruth gives thanks to supportive partners around the world. In particular, she expresses profound gratitude to the church for initiating this sewing project and to partners like United Women in Faith who continue to support and improve upon this economic development program.

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Angelina Mbulo is the Mozambique Project Coordinator for United Women in Faith.

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