Program helps Sudanese women learn a valuable skill

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Tonya Papanikolas reporting A businesswoman from Zimbabwe has started a group to help refugee women from Sudan learn sewing skills.

Most of these women have been in the United States for a while now and have large families to support. They told Eyewitness News they have made a point to try to learn English, but it's still very hard to get a job here--especially higher-paying jobs--so specialized training is a godsend.

These women from Sudan are learning a new skill. "I'm happy to come here to learn about the sewing machine," said Nyayien Tarjak, who is learning to sew.

Fellow student Sarak Dak said, "I think we will get it."

Sabina Zunguze organized the group after working on a grant for refugees. "If you give the women a skill, you know you've given it to the children, you've given it to the husband," she said.

Program helps Sudanese women learn a valuable skill

So, Zunguze formed a nonprofit foundation called Art Forms. Donors gave several sewing machines for the women to use. "They would have something that they would have as a skill, something of their own so they can get out of the little jobs they are doing right now," Zunguze said.

The women now spend Saturdays with fabric, thread and machines. They're learning to make bags they will eventually sell, and they hope to continue their work beyond that.

"We're hoping, as they learn, they'll be able to do alterations for people," Zunguze said.

"I do sew the clothes, like African clothes, and a bag that somebody want," Tarjak said.

Student Mary Duth said, "I try to be a fashion maker, like wedding dress, for African kids, everybody."

The training also gives the women a chance to socialize together. "We get out of the house and we see each other. That is very good. We love that so much," Dak said.

In between the work, they like to turn up the music and dance. Zunguze says the women have a zest for life, and now they're learning how to apply that energy to their own futures.

"We hope, we have a dream to do our best, but we don't know way to do it," Tarjak said. "I'm happy to be learning in this class."

Currently, seven women come to this training because they have seven sewing machines, but they're hoping to get some more donations. If you're interested in finding out more, click the related link.