Joyce, a Tailoring Instructor, on the importance of training young women

Joyce helps third-year student Patricia

My work at Neema is teaching fashion and design, and also discipleship. The reason I’m teaching fashion is that I had a passion for garment making so I went to school where I learned about fashion, design, and teaching. I love teaching garment making because garments are very important, and I like to see girls making designs and clothing for their families without paying labor, and at the same time, earning a living through self-employment or being employed. 

I disciple the students because I grew up in a Christian way through my parents who showed me this life. Living a Christian life is very important because it helps young people to live a holy life by following God's word — being the lamp and light of their feet. There is hope in God's word, and it guides us on how to live and what to do by having wisdom and knowledge. 

Coming into contact with these beautiful young women has built strong relationships. It has made me have a passion and a concern for the young women whenever I come across them. It has taught me about passion and patience in life and understanding people in all dimensions — having sympathy and empathy towards them.

We have a successful Neema alumni, Sarah, who joined Neema with her baby girl, Jacinta, who was four years old. Before she joined Neema, Sarah worked as a casual worker, plowing maize and washing clothes for people and doing any work that she came across so as to earn a living. She graduated and started working as a garment maker at a shop in Kitale town. She is now married and helping her family back home and living a happy life because of earning her salary. 

Joyce (right) with Ruth (left), Neema’s Shop Assistant & Tailoring Instructor outside the Neema Shop

Joyce helping a Neema student

Joyce headshot