Through our certified vocational and business training, we equip vulnerable young and single mothers who are challenged daily with making a liveable wage to support themselves and their children. We believe that by training and empowering these women, we are breaking the dependency cycle and giving them hope and dignity to thrive and become independent.
We offer training in various trades such as tailoring/fashion design, hairdressing/cosmetology, and soap/candle making, book making, etc. Our students have an opportunity to participate in trade specific internships with local businesses in the spring and fall. The internships give our students real world experience and help them secure jobs after graduation.
Our students have the privilege to join our Savings Program. This microfinance program was established in 2015. It encourages our students to save money and build financial capacity, and gives them access to credit to help start their businesses after graduation. This program has seen tremendous success, and has grown to over 500 active members.
Hope Shine distributes approximately 600 food bags per month, each designed to feed a family for about three days. Most families average five children, meaning these food bags help feed nearly 3,000 children monthly. Each bag contains rice, beans, posho (corn flour), and sugar. Due to rising food costs and demand, Hope Shine can only hold one food distribution event per month.
We provide much needed medical outreaches. During these outreaches we serve expectant teenage mothers or single mothers in urban poor settings by providing access to medical services and resources with the support from our network of professionals and care providers.
We conduct health seminars on nutrition, sexual and reproductive health education, best practices for a safe birth, as well as parenting courses.
Under this program, we reach out to pregnant teenagers in crisis situations. From preparations for birth at a local clinic, to counselling and training, our staff aim to give them hope and confidence as they journey into motherhood. We provide a safe space for these mothers to stay, and provide resources needed to build a better future for themselves and their baby. Our faith based counselling services offer support and guidance on issues such as parenting, nutrition, life skills, and employment. Our vocational training program helps these new moms develop skills that can be used in the marketplace.
This ministry was launched at the request of women’s affairs community leaders to support girls involved in sex work for survival. Hope Shine holds monthly meetings with this group, providing food bags, encouragement, prayer, and a listening ear to hear their stories.
Many women in the program turn to prostitution to support their children after falling into debt due to life’s hardships. A $300 donation can help a woman pay off her debts or support them to start a small business and transition away from street life, providing hope and stability for her and her children.