VALENCIA

Before joining Hands Producing Hope, Valencia was considered an outcast by her family when she discovered she was unexpectedly pregnant in 2015. She had no access to income, and was unable to obtain food, clothing or medical help. She was completely isolated.

Once she heard about our cooperative on Nkombo Island, Valencia knew she needed to join and leave this "world of darkness" in the past. She began making baskets to provide for her family and attending church.

Valencia is now one of two of our artisans in vocational training for sewing! She wants to thank those who have helped her become successful and dreams of owning a tailoring business in the future. After completing her training, she hopes to buy a sewing machine so she can support her family and send her daughter to school.

April 7, 2017