TAILORING SCHOOL STUDENTS GRADUATE IN MZUZU

Inside a new church building, ten Tailoring school students graduate with sewing skills in Mzuzu.

The united Methodist church in Mzuzu hosted the 8^th graduation ceremony where ten women graduated from the Hope tailoring school. The sewing school which started in 2006 equips women with such skills so that they can financially support their families. Most of these women are illiterate and semi illiterate. Ankeny First United Methodist Church (FUMC) graced the ceremony

Robin White who was the guest of honour at the ceremony encouraged graduates to envision their future to become productive leaders in the church and the community they live in. “It is a call from God to serve in his vineyard and the talent you have should be used in His call to serve others”  said Robin. She continued to say all these talents together forms one Body of Christ.

Dennis white also encouraged the graduates to work very hard. ‘You should have faith that God will open doors as you work hard to achieve more from your tailoring skills’ said Dennis. He was speaking as leader of delegation for Ankeny First United Methodist Church.

In his appreciatory speech the class of 2014 representative Rose Mphande said she and the rest of the class were delighted to graduate after a year of learning. “We worked hard for the whole year. We thank our instructor Zione Nkhoma, the hope school Coordinator Alice Mutandwa Mkandawire and the Director Reverend Copeland Nkhata for working very hard to groom us” said Rose.

Director of the school Rev. Nkhata said he was delighted to see these women graduate. “Let me thank all our partners who stood with us for the whole year. They invested both financial and spiritual support to make the dream a reality” said Nkhata. He said currently there are 15 students who have enrolled for this year’s tailoring school which is an increase from 10 who enrolled last year.

From the women’s department, Rachel Ngwangwa who represented the Womens Coordinator said their office is very happy to see the women being empowered with the art of tailoring. “our office is committed to empower women and it is with great joy to see the women graduate” said Ngwangwa. She congratulated the graduates for achieving this level of success.

During the ceremony, six graduates received a sewing machine each. Veronica Mbale received her Machine with tears, crying “thank you Jesus! Thank you Jesus!”. She said the machine will assist her to financially support her family.

Each graduate was given a certificate designed by Ankeny FUMC.  Rev. Nkhata and Alice Mkandawire also received certificates of appreciation for the hard work they invested in the Hope Tailoring School.

After the ceremony the church provided lunch for graduates, visitors from Ankeny FUMC and church leaders who were present at the ceremony.

Noel Kumwenda, MUMC Communicator, Mzuzu.