Shenandoah District supports Burundi sewing project

From the Shenandoah District newsletter

The goal of the 2023 Shenandoah District Conference was to raise $4,000 to purchase sewing machines for use in Burundi. During the conference, a total of $1,895 was raised, and Nevin Dulabaum with Eder Financial donated $2,105 to meet the goal. The money was forwarded to Expert Bukene, founding pastor of the Church of the Brethren in Burundi, to obtain the machines, and training courses ensued.

Bukene extends thanks to the Shenandoah District for helping start this school. He describes the program: “We have a central location that we use as class, [and] after three months of training, each student returns to his home for beginning their sewing businesses.”

Seven women graduated from the first course, and six additional women recently completed the second training program. A third session is underway and will finish within the next three months.

Jan Orndorff, one of the organizers for the project, noted that the sewing machines have been assisting small business owners who wish to begin or continue working at producing and altering clothing. Women who undergo the training can develop the skills to provide additional financial resources for their families. Value is added for the community, which benefits from access to clothing and alterations.

Shenandoah District continues to receive donations toward the project, after learning from Bukene that additional supplies are needed.