Laila (15) is a trainee seamstress in Ghana, taking part in the Fighting Poverty through Skills and Enterprise project run by Simli Aid, a partner of Tools for Self Reliance.
I had to stop going to school because my parents didn’t have the money.
I have to walk for two and a half hours to get to Nimatu’s sewing shop but it’s worth it. Since finding out about the opportunity through Simli Aid and Tools for Self Reliance I knew I could benefit from it.
I had to stop going to school because my parents didn’t have the money, and instead I was given to my aunt to help with chores. Now I’m learning to be a seamstress I can move out when I’m fully trained, though my aunt’s been so good to me in supporting me during my training.
I’ll set up my shop in my home community because then they can buy clothes from me instead of going miles and miles to get them.
When I’m older I’ll set up my shop in my home community because then they can buy clothes from me instead of going miles and miles to get them. Even now I can repair my family’s clothes and make my own, which means I don’t have to pay travel expenses.
Being in this place instead of at home means I don’t have to go and fetch firewood either! I know how to cut and sew cloth and I specialise in ladies’ shirts and skirts, but I often need more fabric and thread.
Nimatu outside her tailoring shop
