Beneath the vast skies of Kipsing, Isiolo, where the dust-laden wind whispers tales of a nomadic past, a quiet revolution is unfolding. In a small mason room that embodies transformation, the hum of a sewing machine is a constant rhythm of hope. Miss Christine Sumuni, a dedicated teacher and instructor, sits at the machine, guiding the fabric with grace and determination.

“I never imagined my life would turn out this way,” Miss Christine reflects, her eyes mirroring both the joy and the trials of her journey. She is not alone; six young women, all mothers like her, surround her, their hands diligently learning the craft that has changed their lives. Each carries their own story of struggle and resilience.

A Path Chosen by Necessity

Miss Christine’s story began years ago when her life took an unexpected turn. Fresh out of high school and full of dreams, her plans were interrupted when she became pregnant. Her husband, a herdsman, was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of fatherhood and vanished, leaving Miss Christine to fend for herself and their newborn.

“I remember the day he left,” she recounts, her voice steady yet burdened with memory. “It was the hardest moment of my life. I was a young mother, alone, with no income. But I had to survive for my child’s sake.”

Determined to provide for her son, Miss Christine turned to tailoring. “Tailoring wasn’t common among the women in my community,” she explains. “We were herders, focused on cattle and goats. But I saw an opportunity. People needed clothes mended, uniforms made, and dresses stitched. So I taught myself to sew.”

Her decision was met with scepticism from the village elders, who viewed tailoring as a deviation from traditional roles. Undeterred, Miss Christine pressed on, driven by the desire to build a better future for her child. She started small, taking on jobs to mend clothes and stitch uniforms for her neighbours.

“It wasn’t easy,” she recalls. “I didn’t have a sewing machine then. I worked by hand, sitting outside with my baby beside me. But every stitch was a step towards independence.”

Through perseverance, Miss Christine slowly built a reputation in the village. Her life took a dramatic turn with the support of Nawiri, an organisation dedicated to empowering women. She was selected to be a trainer, given a sewing machine, materials, and a stipend to expand her operations.

“This sewing machine,” she says, patting it gently, “changed everything. It allowed me to grow, build this room, and take on more clients. I am incredibly grateful to Caritas Isiolo and Nawiri for their support. Without them, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity to transform my life and help others.”

Collaborative Support and Quality Assurance

The Nawiri programme has been instrumental in ensuring that Miss Christine’s training programme maintains high standards and quality. Programme officers from Nawiri have been actively involved, providing ongoing support and regular follow-ups to ensure that Miss Christine and her trainees are equipped with the best practices and resources. Their commitment extends from Isiolo town to Kipsing, ensuring that the training is aligned with industry standards.

Local tutors from Oldonyiro Polytechnic have also been collaborating with Miss Christine. These experts bring valuable insights and advanced techniques to the training, enriching the apprentices’ learning experience. Their involvement ensures that the skills imparted are up-to-date and meet the highest standards of quality.

“The support from Nawiri and the local tutors has been crucial,” Miss Christine acknowledges. “They’ve helped me enhance the curriculum, providing resources and training materials that ensure our apprentices receive the best possible education. Their visits and feedback have been invaluable in maintaining the quality of our work. I am deeply thankful to Caritas Isiolo and Nawiri for making this collaboration possible.”

The Trainee Mothers: New Beginnings

Miss Christine now doesn’t just sew clothes; she creates new opportunities for other women. Six mothers have come under her wing, learning skills that will enable them to become self-sufficient. Among them are Miss Matinges, Miss Jackline, and Miss Nadungukoop, each with their own reasons for seeking Miss Christine’s guidance.

Miss Matinges’s Story: The Dream of Education

Miss Matinges, a quiet woman with soft eyes, sits closest to Miss Christine, carefully aligning her fabric. “I used to dream of becoming a teacher,” she says softly, tinged with regret. “But after having my children, I couldn’t continue my studies. My husband left to find work and hasn’t been heard from since.”

Left to care for her two children alone, Miss Matinges needed a way to support them. Hearing about Miss Christine’s training, she seized the chance. “I came to her because I needed hope,” she says, now steady. “Tailoring might not be what I imagined for myself, but it’s giving me the chance to be more than just a mother. I’m learning to care for my family on my own. I am grateful to Caritas Isiolo and Nawiri for giving me this opportunity. Without their support, I wouldn’t have this chance to build a better future for my children.”

Miss Jackline’s Story: Rebuilding After Loss

Miss Jackline’s hands are swift, her movements practiced and precise, though her eyes carry the sadness of loss. “My husband left during a drought, taking everything with him,” she explains quietly. “We lost our livestock and home. I had nothing left.”

Returning to her village, Miss Jackline found a community struggling like hers. Through Nawiri, she discovered Miss Christine. “I had to start over,” she says. “I had no skills, no land, no animals. Miss Christine gave me something I hadn’t had in a long time—an opportunity. I am so thankful to Nawiri and Caritas Isiolo for their support. Their assistance has allowed me to rebuild my life and provide for my children.”

Miss Nadungukoop’s Story: Breaking the Cycle

Miss Nadungukoop, the most talkative of the group, has a bright laugh despite her challenges. “I never thought I’d be a tailor,” she says with a grin. “I was stubborn, believing there had to be another way. But when I became a mother, everything changed.”

Abandoned by her partner, Miss Nadungukoop faced financial hardship and felt the weight of her circumstances. “I didn’t want my daughter to grow up in the same cycle of poverty I did,” she says, her smile fading slightly. “Learning to sew gives me a way out, a chance to create a better life for her. I’m deeply grateful to Caritas Isiolo and Nawiri for their support. Their help has given me the tools and skills to change my life and provide a better future for my daughter.”

Building a Legacy

For Miss Christine, teaching these women is more than imparting a skill. It’s about creating a legacy of empowerment, showing these mothers that they can stand on their own despite the hardships they’ve faced.

“In two weeks, these girls will receive their own sewing machines,” Miss Christine says with pride. “They’ll be able to open their own shops, earn their own income, and pass on their knowledge to others in need. It’s a cycle of growth and empowerment that will continue long after I’m gone.”

As the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the mason room, Miss Christine looks at her trainees, busy with their stitching. The sound of sewing machines hums through the air—a quiet song of resilience, hope, and renewal.

“These girls are my legacy,” she says softly, her voice filled with humility and pride. “Together, we’re sewing a new story for our community—one stitch at a time.”

And with every stitch, the future becomes brighter for Miss Christine, her trainees, and the community that supports them, cheering them on as they build new lives and dreams in the heart of Isiolo.