Soko is a 33-year-old single mother of two small children and pregnant with her third child. Men have come and gone throughout her life and so she doesn’t know who the fathers of her children are. She dropped out of school in 4th grade and so has very little education. Because of all this, she has struggled to find stable work and a steady income. Over the years, what little assets she owns, she has had to sell to provide for herself and her children.
Soko with her daughter showing her selection of fabric
Soko has the knack for tailoring but never had the means to afford professional training or equipment. She was thrilled and thankful when she heard that she was accepted by the Husky Energy Tailoring Skills for Women Program. The training and skills she has learned through this program has changed her whole world. Her mom used to help her look after her children when she was working odd jobs at constructions sites. However, her mom had difficulty with the little children because of a disability. Now, Soko is able to stay home to take care of her children and still earn around RMB 2,500 [US$360] per month.
When we visited her recently, we saw her delivering Tibetan robes to a happy customer. As soon as she saw us arrive, she couldn’t wait to show us the robes she made and the new machines she bought to expand her business. With her new equipment, her efficiency of making clothes will improve greatly.
Soko with one of her customers, shows us her handiwork
Her dreams of becoming a professional tailor and providing a bright future for her children are coming true. Being one of the top students in the program, and with the skills and determination she possesses, we have high hopes for her continued success.
Our biggest thanks to Husky Energy for fully funding this life changing program that continues to provide training and skill building to 30 young women every year.
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