At the heart of TLAfrica is a mission to be a beacon of support and opportunity for East Africans to be resilient, empowered and self-sustainable. Our Women’s Empowerment Program, started by Salome Ntamushabora, is the foundation in which we direct this effort for women and their families.

Last August, Nelson Kilonzo, TLAfrica’s program director, embarked on a journey to Congo with a mission to facilitate pastoral and staff training sessions. In efforts to make the most of his time in the DRC and connect with all of our staff and participants, he visited one of our active WEP groups that have established a dress making business and are in process of repaying their loan from TLAfrica. During his visit with them, they shared their work and progress, but also the struggle to maximize profits due to outsourcing embroidery work. This revelation ignited a spark within Pastor Kilonzo to not just address the issue but to empower these women with the tools they needed to thrive independently.

Upon hearing the plight of these determined women, TLAfrica made a promise to secure the necessary resources that would enhance their production capabilities. Fast forward to April, and this promise materialized into reality. The TLAfrica Board of Directors for the DR Congo, led by the esteemed Mr. Gatsmbanyi Sakabaka, alongside their dedicated officer in Congo, Vincent, unveiled a game-changing solution – a brand new embroidery machine with at least 7 embroidery template plates and a new sewing machine.

The atmosphere was electric as the women’s empowerment group gathered to witness the fruition of months of collaboration and dedication. With beaming smiles and hopeful hearts, they welcomed the arrival of these machines, not just as pieces of equipment, but it symbolizes a newfound sense of autonomy and self-sufficiency. No longer bound by the constraints of outsourcing, they now possess the means to control their production from start to finish, thereby maximizing their profits and securing a brighter future for themselves and their families.

As we reflect on this journey, one thing becomes abundantly clear – empowerment knows no bounds. It transcends borders, cultures, and obstacles, illuminating pathways to prosperity and progress. Through initiatives like this, TLAfrica reaffirms its commitment to fostering sustainable growth and empowering individuals to write their own success stories.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, a group of women is rewriting the narrative, one stitch at a time. And with the unwavering support of TLAfrica, their story is one of hope, resilience, and the boundless power of empowerment.