Eighty-six women and girls who were displaced by the war in Eastern DR Congo were trained in sewing skills and gifted a sewing machine. Before the training, they were—in their own words—beggars and thieves. After the training, they are useful members of society who are respected by their communities. The skills and sewing machines provided by TransformDRC will allow them to raise their families out of poverty.
Background: In January 2025, the M23 rebel force invaded Eastern DR Congo. Within one week, they established themselves as the ruling authority in North and South Kivu provinces. This invasion displaced many people, forcing them to flee to IDP Camps with millions of others. There was no work and no way to earn a living. The camps were overwhelmed with so many people that authorities weren’t able to provide adequate food.
TransformDRC Actions: Women with no means to work resorted to begging and thieving to provide food for their children. They were looked down upon as a problem in the community. TransformDRC staff saw the need to help these women and provided training and resources.
Outcome: Since the women have been trained and given the tools needed to start a sewing business, they are now respected and contributing in a positive way to their families and communities. The local authorities attended the graduation of this group of ladies and said that this is the type of project that meets real needs. They were grateful for the help provided by TransformDRC.
Testimony: “I am 18 years old. My father passed away and left my mother with eight children and no source of income. We had to leave school because we couldn’t pay school fees. Even to get food was a special grace from our God Almighty. My pastor in the IDP camp recommended that I study sewing at TransformDRC. It is there that I got hope when I received training, a sewing machine, and a starter kit. After graduation, I started sewing my own clothes and the clothes of my older and younger sisters without any charge. My neighbors started hiring me to make clothes for them. Now I can help my mother feed our family and even buy body lotion (a luxury)! I am very thankful to TransformDRC. We were in a very desperate situation, but now our lives are changed. We are even able to give offerings in our church.” —Rose, recent graduate
Call to Action: Your continued prayers and financial support are crucial.
· Give: Please consider making a donation to help us continue to provide life-transforming training and resources in Eastern DR Congo. Click to Donate
· Pray: The Transform DRC staff asks that you continue to pray for peace in their region, for their families, and that they will be a light shining Jesus to others.