The project « A needle in hand, a future in mind » was born out of a simple conviction: to provide Ethiopian women with sewing training so they can take control of their lives. This project was led by Sister Elisabeth and her team.

Thirty motivated participants enrolled in this training program, the vast majority of whom were marginalized women. The classes were organized under favorable conditions: teachers were specially recruited, and all necessary materials were purchased.

“In addition to technical training, these women received regular spiritual and psychological support from priests and educators. Because learning to sew is also about learning to rebuild one’s life…”Sr Elisabeth

A story that says it all: Lesile’s story
Lelise is one of the center’s brightest trainees. When she first arrived, she was unemployed, raising two children on her own, with no prospects for the future. From the very first days of training, something changed in her eyes. Hope returned. So did joy. She began taking care of herself again, caring for her children, and mending their clothes herself.
Today, Lelise dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. She says this training has given her life new meaning.

A project that was not without its challenges
Rampant inflation in Ethiopia, exacerbated by the central government’s foreign exchange policy decisions, has driven material prices far beyond initial estimates. Some equipment was unavailable on local markets and had to be ordered from Addis Ababa, the capital, resulting in significant transportation costs.

Today, the center isn’t yet self-sufficient, but some initial ideas are taking shape: opening a small shop, launching an income-generating activity… The path forward is clear!

“Thanks to your support, thirty women are no longer waiting—they’re taking action. They’re learning, creating, and hoping. And perhaps that is the most beautiful impact of all: giving new meaning to their daily lives.” Sr Elisabeth