Rubina listened intently as her friend described a place where she could learn to sew. It sounded like a dream come true, and Rubina was eager to learn more.
Rubina lives in Ambarnath, India, in a small shed near the mosque with her husband and six-year-old son. She never completed school, only reaching level eight, and her husband is the sole provider for the family. He drives someone else’s rickshaw for a very low wage.
Rubina would love to have a job!
After hearing her friend talk about Hosanna Ministries’ Vocational Training classes, where she could learn to sew and start a business, Rubina decided to enrol.
“At the beginning, she faced a lot of problems coming to class as she had to leave her son with neighbours, or sometimes she used to bring her son to class,” said Danny Gaikwad from Hosanna Ministries.
With these challenges, Rubina completed the basic and advanced tailoring courses.
“After completing her course, she wanted to find work, but her husband did not allow her to,” Danny explained. If Rubina had a sewing machine, she wouldn’t have to go out to find work; she could work from home. But she didn’t own a sewing machine.
“Through the efforts of Global Mission Partners, we were able to give her a new sewing machine in July [2024],” Danny reported.
Rubina was very happy to share this blessing with her friends and neighbours, so she started promoting her small business through word of mouth. They gave her clothes to mend and alter, and her income increased as she gained more customers.
“She hopes that if she gets support from her husband, Rubina will start her own tailoring shop. She is also looking to relocate to a different area where she thinks she will get good business,” Danny shared.
“Rubina is very grateful to Hosanna Ministries for giving her a valuable gift of skills and a sewing machine, which has allowed her to become an iIndependent and strong woman.”
Thanks to your support of Global Mission Partners, Hosanna Ministries can provide skills training to many women like Rubina. It is reported that out of 50 students, approximately 64% are empowered to establish their businesses and provide an income for their families.
Hosanna Ministries Vocational Training Project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP)