I want to introduce you to four women who were excited to learn! These women and their children all live near Open Arms Village. They were part of a six month training program sponsored by Open Arms where they learned about best practices in small scale farming, managing finances and first aid.
“This is the first type of training and learning where I felt that I would be successful. I did not finish school because we did not have money for fees. But I got another chance. The people here not only took time to help us learn, but they also paid us for the work we did at the farm as we were learning. I feel very lucky”, said one of the ladies.
Upon completion of the program in December, each woman received a certificate of training, a pair of rainboots, a blanket, beans, rice, cooking oil, soap, toilet paper, salt, tea leaves, wheat flour, and two boxes of matches. Each of the women comes from difficult backgrounds and face many challenges in their lives in the community. Due to poverty, completing school was not an option when they were younger and graduating was not something they ever dreamed about.
“I never thought I would be part of a graduation or even get a certificate for learning something. I am proud of this achievement. Now when I ask my children to study hard and graduate, I have a certificate that they can be proud of as well. Throughout the training, I also earned money to help me move to a larger house. I am very grateful.” shared one of the graduates.
“I intend to use the knowledge I have gained to improve yield on my small piece of land. We appreciate what you have done and we will make you proud by growing using the knowledge you have given us” stated another one of the women.
Open Arms farm manager, Henry, said “These women have made me very proud. They have done better than I could have expected and I believe their futures are bright.”
Your support makes this training possible. Because you give, many children and local families have life changing opportunities that bring freedom from the grip of poverty and provide new hope!
Thank you for all you do!
Kaytie Fiedler
Executive Director, Open Arms International US
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