I received a tailoring certificate from a local school. JENGA’s Young Women’s Vocational program needed a new teacher and approached me. Starting as a volunteer, I then became the full-time instructor. After two years with the program, JENGA Design leaders asked if I would like to work with them too.
From then on, I have enjoyed making table mats, bunting, wash bags and other items which was sell locally as well as to visitors to our projects. As part of my work I received more training and have been able to impart my learnings to those that I teach. I have recently started to sew period underwear for JENGA's Every Girl initiative, supporting girls and women to have access to these essential items as well as running occasional pad making trainings.
These days, due to my work with the Vocational programme and with JENGA Design I have been able to buy land so that my family can have their own home. I have taught others what I know and enjoy seeing them able to sustainably support their families with their newly learnt skills. I am so grateful for the opportunities these programmes offer me, as well as those I have met through them. It means so much to know that our beautiful Ugandan designs are enjoyed all over the world!
Shop products made by Naomi and her partners here.
Find out more about JENGA and their programmes here.