After receiving numerous request from the residents of Mtongwe to open a tailoring Class, Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya with the generous support provided by various donors initiated the project. The opening of the tailoring class was done on 15th March 2022.
The Mission offers tailoring courses, as per the Government Syllabus to empower women and young girls in some of the rural Centres. This is a 2 year long course and students pay a monthly fee of Kshs 200/- for the lessons. Students receive a nationally recognized certificate upon completion. Bilal Kenya now has a total of 6 tailoring classes in the following centres: Mwasafu, Mackinnon, Bahakanda, Samburu, Moyeni & Mtongwe.
The classes are run in two sessions; morning and afternoon, providing the women participants in the villages time to work on their farms and attend to other household chores.
Whilst in training, students are taught to stitch and mend simple dresses. From this skill they are able to generate an income and manage a dressmaking business. Most of the students that attend classes are young mothers and girls who have dropped out of school.
The class has been well equipped. Some of the items the class has are:
- 8 Singer Sewing Machines
- 1 Zigzag Sewing Machine
- 1 Over lock Sewing Machine
- Other items such as: scissors, tape measure, needles, threads, rulers, seam rippers, grease, oil, Zips and Tailors chalks.
The class currently has 10 students. Many around the locality intend to send their children during the long school holiday for a short course.
Some of the main challenges to run these classes are:
- Running cost to manage the classes: the minimum monthly fee charged is not sufficient to cover the cost for the Instructor’s pay and maintenance of the equipment & classroom and other necessary teaching materials.
- High cost of Examination fee: at the end of the 2 years students are expected to pay Kshs. 8,500/- in order to enroll for the examination. This cost is too high for most and they are not able to pay for it.
We strive to expand the tailoring project by initiating these classes in the remaining Bilal Kenya centres allowing all mothers and girls to acquire an important skill towards their economic independence and earning an additional income.
Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya appreciates the generous support and assistance received from various donors towards this project.
The Mission also thanks all those involved in managing this class.
Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya
P.O Box 82508 -80100
Tel: +254 735 402711
Email: admin@kenbilal.org
Web: www.kenbilal.org
Prepared By: Faraah Sumar
July 2022