Priscilla joined Tabitha Designs in early 2010. It's a place where ladies in Zambia can learn sewing as a way to support their families. At first she thought it was difficult, though she had sewn before. But she learned the new designs because her husband is disabled and she has the burden of supporting her family. Since conquering dressmaking classes at Tabitha Designs, she now sells dresses in her community. Her designs are even beyond the level of many of her teachers; she's known for her innovative design. For one, she knitted the tape from old cassettes into a hat. Pricilla not only has a way to support her family, but an affirming creative outlet as well. It's been life-changing.

For Jane, a mother of six with no education, the only jobs available to her were as a domestic worker. Like Pricilla, she found the designs at Tabitha difficult at first. But one of the leaders there, Betty, encouraged her. "I was telling her she should have confidence and not look at other people as if they are better than her," recalls Betty. "I gave her an assignment to make a man's shirt. She came back today, showing me what she had done, and it was excellent!"

Betty also encouraged a woman named Alice who was having trouble communicating and was ready to give up. Betty says, "We told her that if she tells herself that she can't do it, she won't be able to; but if she says she can, it will change everything." With that, Alice recommitted herself to going forward and began again by making a shirt for her son. When she went home and showed her husband, he was awed at her accomplishment.

Women at Tabitha Designs are not only learning skills, but changing the way they see themselves and their abilities. They have dignity, as well as professional and creative skills. Tabitha Designs is one of the featured causes of Freedom Climb, a hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds for OM justice projects. To learn more, see the link below.

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