A Skill Turned Into Opportunity

“I first learned sewing just by watching my father, but I never considered it as something serious. After watching Dewmini’s video at school, I was inspired to take it up and asked my father to teach me more skills.” — Hilda Mwaiwatha, Form 3, Ntambanyama CDSS.

At 17 years old, Hilda Mwaiwatha had a skill but lacked direction. She had watched her father sew but never thought of turning this knowledge into something meaningful for her future. That changed when she participated in the She Creates Change project, implemented by CRECCOM and funded by Room to Read.

During the sessions, Hilda watched Dewmini’s story, a courageous girl who used entrepreneurship and innovation to support herself and her family. Inspired, Hilda approached her father and asked for guidance. With dedication and practice, she quickly honed her skills and started creating school uniforms.

Within just a week, Hilda’s talent turned into opportunity

—she won a contract to supply uniforms for students at Ntambanyama Primary School. The income she generates from her sewing business is now helping her support her education all the way through Form Four.

“The She Creates Change videos showed me that even small skills can be powerful if you apply them with focus and determination,” Hilda says. “I’m proud that something I once overlooked has now become my pathway to success.”

Through She Creates Change, Hilda not only gained practical skills but also learned resilience, innovation, and leadership, showing other students that entrepreneurial thinking and determination can transform challenges into real opportunities.