Stitching together a bright future

Talent by name and talented by nature! Find out about a girl who has set her sights on becoming a dress designer..

Just a year ago Talent joined her SOS mother and forty or so other children from the village in a sewing club. Since then she has become one of the most dedicated and interested in sewing of all of the children. "I thank the mothers who taught me how to sew... when I grow up I will be able to have my own business and stand on my own two feet." Since then she has learnt many new skills linked to sewing - dress design, embroidery and uniform making, to name but a few. Talent is in form three at school and has chosen to take art as one of her examination subjects as she thinks this will support her in the future when she hopes to use her hobby to start up her own business.

Talent says that the skills she has learnt in art classes, such as mixing colours and learning about patterns and designs are the same concepts that she needs to understand to build on her sewing and design skills. "Sewing is very interesting. I look forward to pursuing my studies in sewing when I've done my exams next year. So far I have made my own skirt and blouse. To be a dress maker you need to be fast and accurate when using the sewing machine so that you make products that look good."

Jane Chikosi, one of the village aunts (a family helper), who also attends the sewing club says, "Talent is a blessing to our club. She is fast, smart and accurate. I'm hopeful that she will succeed in her career and end up as a designer." This last winter Talent learnt to knit, producing a scarf which she wore on the coldest days. Given that she makes her school uniform, embroiders items and makes casual clothing, Talent is certainly living up to her name!