Never look down on yourself

Children & Youth

Apr 23

When Snoria became pregnant, she dropped out of school. This was devasting for her, but she promised herself to not let it stop her from pursuing her dream of becoming a fashion tailor. Today, she runs her own shop and has trained two girls in tailoring. Her goal is to train 17 more.

– When I got pregnant, I was devastated as I was unable to continue my education. I had to stay home and take care of my baby, Snoria says.

But she knew she wanted to do more than stay home with her daughter.

Shortly after her daughter was born, Snoria’s family entered SOS Children’s Villages Family Strengthening Programme, supported by the Grieg Foundation. She expressed interest in pursuing vocational skills training in tailoring and fashion design.

Working with fashion had always been a dream of hers, and the vocational skills training would give her a source of income to take care of her child. After completing the training, she was supported by the programme with a tailoring machine to establish her own business in her community.

Supporting other girls

– It was a bit challenging to start with, because I only had one sewing machine. But I was determined to make it. I made sure to tell people that I can sew and design. Thereon, people started trusting me with their clothes. As of today, I am a well-known businessperson, Snoria explains proudly.

She has already trained two other girls, and her mother is also working in her shop. She wants more girls and young women to attain vocational skills, so that they can become economically self-sufficient.

– I encourage my fellow youth, especially the girls, to not look down on themselves, and to learn the skill of tailoring so that they can support themselves and have something to do instead of going into early marriages or pregnancies.

Expanding her business

Snoria’s vision is to expand her business by buying more and up-to-date sewing machines and other necessary materials. In five years, she sees her business growing and enabling her to train more than 17 girls.

– I picture myself in a bigger shop, with more girls working with me, she says.

By growing her business, she aims to give back to her community while also creating a bright future and more opportunities for her daughter.

- I want my daughter to go to a good school. I want her to be successful. I also want to support other children in the community with school uniforms. I want to give back to the community by supporting those who can’t afford it, around 50 children.

Who: SOS Children’s Villages

What: Girls Thrive Programme

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