In the Kasaï-Central province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a transformative initiative is emerging as a beacon of hope amidst the region’s difficulties.
The Cutting and Sewing Training Project for Young Orthodox Individuals in Kananga, funded by a $15,000 grant from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, aims to address the pressing issues of youth unemployment and poverty in an area drastically impacted by environmental and economic hardship.
The project, launched in June with the blessing of Metropolitan Chariton of Kananga, will blend immediate relief efforts with the long-term development of churches and communities in the area. Providing professional training to 32 young women in its initial three-month phase, this initiative will not only equip them with skills in cutting and sewing but offer a pathway to self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship.
Voicing hopes for further expansion into areas such as carpentry, literacy, and IT, local clergy and community leaders expressed enthusiasm for the future of the project and its potential to become a “micro-enterprise” that will uplift the community and create lasting economic sustainability.
“One month since the opening of the cutting and sewing training center, this center has recruited more than 31 mothers and are trained free of charge to add more to their lives, to allow our mothers to support the survival of their homes. We give glory to God that our mothers are adapting and putting more effort into learning,” stated Chariton, Metropolitan of Kananga.
Recent initiatives by the Orthodox Christian Mission Center underscore its commitment to nurturing vibrant Orthodox communities worldwide. These projects reflect the organization’s dedication to fostering the growth and sustainability of the Church on a global scale. By advancing such efforts, the Mission Center aims to ensure the long-term vitality and prosperity of Orthodox Christianity across diverse regions.
Photo: OCMC/Archbishopric of Kananga
