We are happy to report that the building for the new Develop Africa Empowerment Training Institute is almost complete and that the ladies have already started using the building.  This is great news and we are very happy for the progress as this provides a great foundation and learning environment.  This provides stability and room for growth. 

Previously, the place of meeting was a very small room in the apartment of the Director of Door of Hope.  In this location, they were unable to accommodate all of the trainees at the same time. The ladies were cramped in this small room and were holding classes outside under a tree as in photo below.  You can see photos of this here

The building is almost complete and you can see photos of it here - windows are in place, the floor in some of the rooms is complete.  The building houses the office of Door of Hope and is used in the coordination of some of our child sponsorship and other programs / activities in Sierra Leone.  The building has been named the Develop Africa Empowerment Training Institute (DAETI).

The ladies are already using one of the rooms and they are very happy to have access to these facilities.

We are also very excited to report that thanks to the support from Choose A Need, we have been able to provide 10 microfinance sewing tool kits - 10 new sewing machines, tables, coal iron, two rolls of materials and benches for 10 beneficiaries.  Our ladies are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to the Board and donors of Choose A Need for these life-transforming gifts.  You can see photos here

Fanta is delighted and all smiles!
 

These ladies are clapping in appreciation - ready to be productive and become self-sufficient.

You can see more photos here

These sewing tool kits have helped to build capacity for these ladies – helping them become self reliant.  This brought new life and excitement to the ladies, helping to motivate them.  As a result of the presentation of these machines and equipment, three women decided to join the tailoring school in the past week.  The women that were skipping classes are now happy to come to class. They can now face the future with confidence.    These were so very grateful to receive the tool kits.  The description field of 10 individual photos on Flickr includes a brief profile of the beneficiary. The signs that they hold convey their appreciation as follows:

You are terrific!
We appreciate your support!
High Five!
Your contribution is important!
You’re on Target!
You Made my Day!
You are super!
You are a real trooper!
Hip Hip Hooray!
Wow!
You are the best!
Thank You!

Overall the progress in the past months has been tremendous.  An excellent foundation has been laid and we are deeply grateful for the involvement of all our donors and partners that have helped us get to where we are today.  Without your support, this would not have been possible.

If you ever have plans to visit Sierra Leone, you are more than welcome to stop by and meet the smiling ladies at this training institute.

Our future plans include completing the building, purchasing additional sewing machines like those pictured and expanding to provide additional services in the community. Should you have access to sewing machines like these, we would love to receive them.  If you do not have access to sewing machines like these, please help us purchase one by making a donation today. 

We also welcome your support as we complete the building - finish the floors in all rooms, paint the walls etc.  There is also the need for equipment in other areas like hair dressing, catering, food processing, computer training, and gara tie dying. 

Thanks for your on-going support as we continue to bring hope and equip lives at the Develop Africa Empowerment Training Institute.