Project Update: Vocational Training for Vulnerable Christian Women in Pakistan

19 August 2024

In Pakistani slums, Christians are often considered to be of low class. Due to illiteracy, slum dwellers, particularly women, often find employment as maids in Muslim households. Tragically, some employers subject these maids to mental and physical mistreatment.

A VOM-funded Vocational Training Centre (VTC) provides women with an opportunity to learn and acquire new skills in sewing and beautician work. The goal is to reach persecuted Christian women and girls who are illiterate or unable to secure jobs in safe workplaces. Through the training, they learn skills to help them independently provide for themselves with dignity. In addition, we aim to strengthen and encourage them to stand firm in their faith, fostering an environment that offers opportunities for spiritual growth in Christ.

Each sewing and beautician course lasts for six months, covering basic training and practice sessions with our teachers. Typically, we have around 40 students in each class, but this can increase to 60 due to scheduled admissions. Classes are held from Monday to Friday, with each session lasting for four hours. Students are tested at the end of the course and are required to pass to graduate.

Our graduates have the option to either pursue employment as a beautician or tailor or venture into starting their own business. Annually, we enrol approximately 100-120 students, and each graduate finds success not only in their specific training area but also in their spiritual journey with God.

This success is a testament to the comprehensive approach we take in nurturing not just vocational skills but also spiritual growth. We are proud to see our graduates excelling not only professionally but also personally as they continue their walk with God.

 

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