Tailoring schools have been one of our most effective ways of helping young women escape the cycle of poverty. Most of our students come from agricultural day laborer families, where the average daily income is about $1.50. (According to the World Bank, anyone in India earning less than $1.90 per day per person struggles to meet even their basic needs.) On average, our graduates can earn $6-$7 by doing piecework on weekends—a significant improvement, but still a challenging financial situation. Imagine the transformation that could occur if they had the opportunity to start their own business with a sewing machine!
However, there’s one major obstacle: treadle sewing machines cost around $150, a sum far beyond the reach of families living at or below the poverty line, who are unable to save up three months’ worth of income.
While our teachers have helped students with business plans and bank loans, these solutions often involve external organizations that retain control. With the introduction of our new tailoring schools in 2024, fully supported and run by Global Helps Network, we’ve established a fund for lease-to-own sewing machines available to any graduate. This interest-free offer allows students to receive new machines, which will be placed in their homes. It’s expected that the new business will generate enough income to support the graduate and repay the cost of the sewing machine within six months.
The real benefit, though, is that the new business owner has just spent six months learning from a Christian master tailor. During the lease period, the same teacher will continue to mentor the graduate one-on-one in her home. This six-month mentorship, which is already impactful, will extend to a full year, deepening the witness and support for each graduate as they build their businesses.
For more information on the tailoring schools and sewing machines, please contact Gerry at Gerry@GlobalHelpsNetwork.org.