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“Four months ago, my husband's salary was not enough to meet our family's needs. I had no job skills to help my husband. But now I am a seamstress, and I received a new sewing machine and start-up fund. Nothing is going to stop me now. My life and that of my family will change now that I am self-reliant.”
Thus said Sister Niclette Tshibuka after receiving her certificate of completion for vocational training from the Grâce à Ma Mère Foundation with financial support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was not alone; another 46 women from the Binza Stake of the Church were trained in sewing and aesthetics over the course of the four-month job skills training program.
The certificate ceremony took place at the Binza Stake Center on February 3, 2024, in Kinshasa DR Congo. The top two graduates also received seed money to start their businesses. President Didier Mutombo of the Binza Stake encouraged graduates, “this is a first step towards self-reliance, so take it seriously.”
In addition to President Mutombo, several Binza Stake leaders attended this ceremony. Also present was Julie Nsuele, president of the Grâce à Ma Mère Foundation (GRAME), who is also president of the commission of women entrepreneurs of the federation companies from Congo in addition to being the coordinator of this training program. She encouraged the graduates to put their newly learned skills to work so they can become financially self-sufficient.
The objective of the welfare program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to care for those in need while teaching principles that promote self-reliance and self-respect. The welfare program has expanded to all corners of the globe and assists members and people of all faiths.