Through the MCC-supported Episcopal Church of Sudan’s Mother’s Union tailoring project in Juba, South Sudan, women such as Flora Lino are gaining skills that they can use to build a brighter future for themselves and their children. MCC Photo/Nina Linton
Each year, 20 women participate in this six-month program supported by MCC. At the completion of the program, participants can buy their sewing machine at a reduced rate. MCC Photo/Nina Linton
Assistant trainer Joyce Dudu (left) stands with the founder and coordinator of the tailoring project, Florence Ayikoru. In the background is tailoring trainer Mustafa Atrima. MCC Photo/Nina Linton
Teresa Festo threads her sewing machine. Through the program, women learn sewing, life skills and small business management. MCC Photo/Nina Linton
Toddlers Ester Keji (left) and Emmanuel Kenyi sit on their mother’s laps while their mothers, Jerisa Muro and Hellen Poni, talk with tailoring instructor Mustafa Atrima. MCC Photo/Nina Linton
Ester Kiko threads a needle. Women learn needle and hand-sewing techniques in addition to gaining experience with sewing machines. MCC Photo/Nina Linton
Ester Keji, 2, takes a nap while her mother Jerisa Muro sews. MCC Photo/Nina Linton
Staying close to their mothers, children become familiar with sewing machines and the sights and sounds of a sewing class. Ester Keji, 2, explores the mechanical aspects of a sewing machine while her mother Jerisa Muro is busy with her hand stitching. MCC Photo/Nina Linton
Nancy Baako sews as her daughter Winnie Alfred looks on. In the background are other children whose mothers are learning to sew. MCC Photo/Nina Linton
Blue ink outlines the shape of a baby’s dress and records measurements in this pattern sketchbook. MCC Photo/Nina Linton
Tailoring instructor Mustafa Atrima shows the dress to students. In addition to teaching students how to sew and training them in life and business skills, leaders urge graduates to continue to come to the center for encouragement and further assistance as needed. MCC Photo/Nina Linton
The program has made a difference for graduates such as Rose David who finished the program and now sews at her home. Before, David says, “when the children came home from school, we had nothing to eat.” Now that she is working, her children have enough food and can receive medical care. Read more about MCC’s work in South Sudan in the fall issue of A Common Place magazine. David is shown with her children (back) Daniel, Elizabeth, Samson, Nelson, (front) Moses and Esther. MCC Photo/Nina Linton
