Report from EGM on 2021 Courses

Course One

Village: Jaranwala

Pastor in village who was the sponsor of the programme: Pastor Rizwan Mall
Teacher:  Noshaba Jalal 

15 girls completed the course in this village, 10 of whom received sewing machines at the end of the course. 

The pastor and teacher are so very thankful and this effort is so appreciated by the women. They received both biblical education along with being skilled in sewing and cutting. They would like to run the training course again whenever possible.

Course Two

Village: Toba Tek Singh Chak 330 JD 

Pastor in the village who was the sponsor of the programme: Pastor Tariq Masih
Teacher: Raila Tariq 

17 girls began the course in this village but an additional seven were added meaning 24 completed the course. Of these, 10 received sewing machines. 

The pastor and teacher felt the programme was wonderful and all the girls and their parents were so very thankful in this village. Many girls learnt the skill of sewing, cutting and embroidery and are now working at home. They are so very thankful for this great opportunity for them.  

Partnership's Influence within the Community

Of the 15 girls who were training in Jarnawala, five are now working as machine operators in a garment factory and the others are doing work at home and earning money.

In Toba Tek Singh, seven of the girls trained are now working in garment factories and 10 are working at home.

The income that these girls are now able to earn will be a significant help in improving the overall wellbeing of their immediate family and also have a flow-on effect into their community. 

Current Issues and Challenges

Due to a lack of resources it was not possible to give every girl a sewing machine at the end of the course, particularly in Toba Tek Singh where an additional seven girls were added to the course. It was disappointing for these girls not to receive a machine but they were grateful for the training. 

Because the intention was just to run one six month course at each church/place there was a large number of girls who wanted the training hence why the number was more than expected (10-15 was the expected number of participants). If we committed to run two or three courses in one church/place then it would be easier for the pastor to select only 10 to 15 girls and after completion of the course everyone would get a sewing machine and training kit.

Plans for the Future

For the future we want to make sure all the girls have the tools required to be able to continue sewing.  

We have decided to run another six month course in Toba Tek Singh and then we will move to a new place/church. 

BHW Partnership Facilitator's Comments

About 30% of the girls trained in these two courses now have employment and others are working from home so I would say that is a great outcome for the investment and that we should provide funding for another two courses. 

I would also suggest that we fund the seven extra sewing machines required for the girls at Toba Tek Singh who did not receive a machine (US$455).

EGM has agreed to keep the number of students in each course to 10–15 and maybe run more courses where there is a demand. I suggest that we send the funds for the sewing machines when we know how many will graduate from each course.