Student Spotlight: Equipped with tailoring and digital skills, Achol has designs of launching a fashion business
Achol has dreamed of working in the fashion industry for as long as she can remember.
"I had always wanted to study fashion, but there was no one who could pay for my tuition, so I wasn't able to enroll in college," she said. "Instead, I decided to do whatever small jobs I could find. I thought maybe I could save enough to pay for one term, then go back to work, save again, and continue my studies little by little until I achieved my dream."
This January, Achol enrolled in RefuSHE's Fashion & Design course, as part of a 30-student cohort. The program runs through December and culminates in an internship.
"Coming to RefuSHE has taught me so much. I've learned how to use a sewing machine, draft patterns, sew garments, and work confidently with sewing tools. Now I can make shirts, dresses, skirts, handbags, and many other items."
Upon completion, participants will sit for a nationally recognized examination accredited by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), positioning them to obtain formal certification and enhancing their employment opportunities.
In addition, Acho is also taking RefuSHE's Digital Literacy course where she's learned how to harness social media, online platforms, and A.I. to market her skills and grow her enterprise.
"I want to build my own fashion brand. My dream is to design and make clothes for people under my own label. I'd like to showcase my designs on Instagram and TikTok, build an online presence for my brand, and attract customers through social media. I also hope to create jobs by employing other people to work with me."
“There was a time when I felt like giving up on my dreams. But after coming to RefuSHE, I found hope again. The programme gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my future. I told myself, ‘Now that I’ve started, and now that I’ve learned these skills, I’m not going to stop. I’m going to keep going.”
