How Tailoring Skills Are Changing the Lives of Young Women in Phalombe

In some villages of Phalombe, the hum of sewing machines is slowly replacing stories of despair.

For  Rute,17, life seemed to have reached a dead end after she dropped out of school due to pregnancy. With little hope for the future, she spent most of her days at home, uncertain of what tomorrow held. But a tailoring and designing training introduced by World Vision Malawi became the turning point she desperately needed.

Selected among girls vulnerable to early marriages and school dropouts, Rute enrolled in a six-month tailoring course and emerged as one of 22 graduates. Equipped with a sewing machine after completion of the training, she immediately set up a small business from her home, a decision that has completely transformed her life.

“On a good day I make about K10,000, and even on bad days I still earn around K5,000,” says Rute.

Today, the teenage mother is able to support her family through the proceeds from her tailoring business. Beyond survival, she now dreams bigger.

“One day I want to own a big tailoring shop and employ fellow youths in my community,” says Rute.

Rute’s story mirrors that of Mercy Makera, another beneficiary whose life has equally taken a remarkable turn. Before the training, even basic necessities such as food and laundry soap were difficult to afford. Now, her tailoring business attracts customers almost every day.

“Customers come daily and on a good day I make up to K12,000,” says Mercy.

Mercy continues to say that the income that the tailoring business generates has restored her dignity and given her renewed hope for the future.

For Theresa George, the training became more than just a skills programme, it became a lifeline. Having endured numerous hardships while growing up, Theresa says the initiative gave her a fresh start.

“I have managed to build a house because of this business. World Vision is truly a lifesaver,” says Theresa.

She now hopes to expand her business by opening a tailoring shop in Zomba and eventually constructing a modern house.

The tailoring initiative was introduced by World Vision Malawi in 2023 after the organization observed rising cases of school dropouts and child marriages in Phalombe. Working together with TEVETA, the programme enrolled 25 girls, with 22 successfully graduating.