Interrupting generational poverty by equipping women with skills-based education
The By Grace Foundation is a female founded 501(c)(3) SPONSORING the training and education of women in RURAL, impoverished communities.
How We Work
We are contributing to big picture change by addressing everyday needs. We offer sewing and tailoring training, entrepreneurship and business skills workshops, and micro loans to women living in rural African communities.
Our tailor-training program:
Pays an honorable and living wage to our instructors
Grants a monthly stipend to our learners
Gives back to the local community through crafted products
Offers perks such as transportation to/from the vocational training centers (SA), annual rent (Ghana), daily lunch, and childcare
After completing By Grace’s year-long program, each of our graduates is offered a loan to purchase the necessary materials and equipment to set her up for success. Additionally, we help our alumni secure employment or find clients in their local communities to launch their small businesses. Some of our apprentices are invited to continue working with By Grace as assistants or teachers.
Where We Work
WE CURRENTLY OPERATE in ghana and south africa.
tamale, Ghana
Our inaugural sewing program, the By Grace vocational training facility in Tamale, Ghana has been active since 2013. In Ghana, a seamstress is a highly esteemed profession, but is only available to women with capital. By Grace sponsors the 24-month tailor-training of aspiring seamstresses to remove the financial barrier to success in this profession. For women who complete the program, we cover the cost of the apprentices’ credentials via the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association. We also help the graduates purchase their first sewing machines, so they are setup for employment or entrepreneurship when leaving us. We currently have 16 apprentices, with 5 women completing their exams in May 2022.
MARBARHULE, SOUTH AFRICA
“It is a dream come true,” Creseldah explained as we finalized construction on the By Grace Textile and Community Center. The building is the future home of a sewing program designed to educate women in a trade skill that will help them earn a livable wage. It will also include a library with access to the rest of the world via a computer lab and free internet, a kitchen, and a community garden. This isn’t just a building—it is the foundation of hope for five surrounding communities who will benefit from the educations and skills women will gain at the center.
Currently, we help fund and operate a sewing program based in Mkhulu that benefits 12 learners and 2 full-time teachers. At this location, the learners focus on the production of reusable sanitary napkins that are then donated through a partnership with CefPads.
Huntington, South Africa
Unfortunately there is a vast disparity in wealth and economic development in rural South Africa, leaving many single women and families living in poverty. There is also an alarming number of teen moms and single mothers who are not afforded the opportunities to provide for their families. These women are talented and earnest learners, who are eager to work hard.
Launched in February 2021, our first class of learners is graduating from the Huntington program in April 2022. A small but mighty class, we had 7 local women who had never sewn before who are now eager to open a tailoring business together. Throughout their training, the learners give back to the community through the production of school uniforms and the mending of local children’s clothes. Applications are currently being accepted for our next group of apprentices.
Where We’ve Been
Our hearts are for women. In the past, we’ve worked with organizations and individuals based in rural parts of India, Panama, and the united states.
India
"There's a stack of applications of women wanting to work here - the alternative is often hard labor in a brick yard." The By Grace Foundation partnered with Daughters of Hope and Lions in Four to provide training and employment to women in Bangalore and Kochi, India. School fees are expensive in India, and children are only able to go to school if their parents are able to fund their education. By employing women, children are able to afford school fees, the first step in overcoming generational poverty.
USA: Rosebud Reservation
"It's the closest thing to a third world country, but within the U.S." The Rosebud Reservation has an 80 percent unemployment rate, 33 percent reported rape rate for females and a reported per capita income of less than $9,000. We partnered with local women's rescue shelter, White Calf Buffalo Women's Society, to employ women coming out of abusive situations. The number one reason women return to their abusers is lack of financial independence. By Grace worked for four years to equip women with the skills, supplies and confidence to become entrepreneurs.
PANAMA
The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative partnered entrepreneur Nayleen Quintero with Emily and Kelsey as part of a mentorship program in 2017. Nayleen founded Sante Cutarras, and is responsible for employing women in Las Tablas and Panama City. Women in Panama are paving their own way as business owners and entrepreneurs. Studies show that women in Panama aren’t afraid of failure, but instead worry more about their own capabilities. They doubt themselves and worry about the perception of others. Currently, it is more acceptable for women in Panama to retain traditional employment for the comfort of financial security. Our work helped alleviate these fears and doubts in 13 women through our support of Sante Cutarras.
Although we are no longer active in these communities, we remain available to our partners and continue to champion their successes.