Meet Grace Banda, a single mother who transformed her life through our tailoring program and now runs her own successful fashion business.

Grace Banda's story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of skills training. Today, she runs a thriving tailoring business employing five women from her community. But just two years ago, she was a widow struggling to feed her three children.

Before NHTCA

When Grace's husband passed away in 2022, she was left with no income and three young children to support. She had completed secondary school but had no vocational training. She survived by doing piecework—washing clothes, selling vegetables at the market—anything to put food on the table.

"Those were dark days," Grace recalls. "I would wake up every morning not knowing how I would feed my children. I felt hopeless, like I had no future. But I kept praying for an opportunity."

Discovering NHTCA

In early 2023, a neighbor told Grace about New Hope Training Centre for All—a place where she could learn tailoring for free. At first, she was skeptical. Nothing in life had ever been free. But desperation drove her to visit the center.

"When I arrived, I was nervous. But the staff welcomed me warmly and explained that the training really was free. They told me that if I worked hard, I could learn skills that would allow me to support my family. I enrolled that same day."

The Training Experience

Grace threw herself into the 6-month tailoring program. She arrived early every day and stayed late to practice. Her instructors noticed her dedication and gave her extra attention.

"I had never used a sewing machine before. At first, it was difficult. But the instructors were so patient. They showed me over and over until I got it right. By the end of the program, I could make dresses, shirts, and even traditional wear."

Starting a Business

After graduating, Grace faced a new challenge: how to turn her skills into income. She had no money for materials, no place to work, and no business experience. But NHTCA didn't abandon her.

The center provided her with a starter kit of materials and connected her with their business mentorship program. She learned how to price her work, find customers, and manage money. A small micro-loan allowed her to buy more materials.

"I started by making clothes for neighbors. Word spread, and soon I had more orders than I could handle. I realized I needed help."

Building a Team

Today, Grace employs five women from her village—all of whom she trained herself. Her workshop is a busy hub of activity, producing clothing for customers across Lilongwe.

"I remember what it felt like to have no hope. That's why I want to help other women. I teach them everything I learned at NHTCA, and I pay them fairly for their work. Together, we're building something."

Looking Forward

Grace's ambitions don't stop there. She's saving to open a shop in the city center and dreams of starting a fashion school for girls.

"NHTCA changed my life. Now I want to change others' lives too. Every girl deserves the chance I got."

Grace's story is just one example of what's possible when we invest in skills training. Her journey from hopeless widow to successful business owner inspires us every day.