Good Samaritan Skills Centre
and tree nursery
Since training resumed in 2024 44 vulnerable girls have been trained in hairdressing and tailoring. Of these 25 were the Women of Hope from Customs and 19 were from the local area of Kajwenge. The local girls live at home with their families. Not one of the young women from Customs have returned to their former lives on the streets. The start up kits have helped them earn a living.
However the girls are not able to train in certain skills because of a lack of specialist machines and while the demand is high they are finding it difficult to compete with out these additional skills.
They need a button fixing machine and an embroidery machine. These machines are more expensive than standard singer sewing machines. Cost approximately £400
Enjoying a break and some food
The Women of Hope have expressed how much they have bonded as a group and how they would like to stay together in some sort of co-operative in Customs. If this became possible a specialist machine as well as their own start up kits would be required in order for them to be competitive. The demand is there if the tools are available.
It is importtant that Miriam, their mentor, stays in close contact with them and so she meets them in Customs monthly. (Even those girls not yet trained). They have a meal and will receive soap.
Updated October 2026