Livelihoods

We launched the “Thread of Hope” project to support refugee youth in N’Djamena, especially young women, by providing practical sewing and tailoring skills. Many participants had limited access to formal education and few income opportunities, so the project focused on equipping them with hands-on, market-relevant skills that could help them start small livelihoods. In partnership with Gaith Humanitarian Organization, we delivered structured training sessions where participants learned the basics of sewing machine operation, taking measurements, simple pattern-making, and producing basic clothing items and household accessories. The training emphasized practice and repetition, allowing learners to gradually build confidence and technical ability, even if they had no prior experience. A notable example is a young refugee woman from the Central African Republic who joined the program with no previous exposure to tailoring. Over time, she learned to use a sewing machine and began producing simple items such as school uniforms and basic garments, which she was able to sell within her community on a small scale. By the end of the six-month training period, some participants had begun small income-generating activities, while others pursued informal apprenticeships with local tailors to continue improving their skills. The project also helped participants strengthen soft skills such as teamwork, patience, and confidence, supporting their gradual movement toward greater economic independence.