Our Sewing Peace program continues to shine as we took on two new sewing machine partners kicking off our 35th year of operation. We are thrilled to give an update on 144 sewing machines shipped to Liberia and Tanzania! On December 9th we shipped 72 sewing machines to the Koimene Impact Foundation in Liberia. We followed it up with another shipment of 72 machines to Community Plus Organization (COPO) in Tanzania on December 10th.

While we patiently wait for our items to clear in Liberian Customs (a process slowed by “bureaucracy” and other delays) we would love to give a warm welcome to our Tanzanian friends who have just received 72 machines we shipped this past winter. After a long journey, machines are finally in the hands of Community Plus Organization and will soon be in their schools.

Community Plus Organization, a registered community outreach organization based in Mornogoro, Tanzania, are coming together to address common problems resulting from severe poverty. With limited access to basic functions of society, many rural communities around the world must implement creative ways to elevate their lives. Community Plus Organization implements community-based programs aimed at empowering vulnerable groups and promoting sustainable development in Tanzania.

The structure of COPO includes three offshoots that address more specific needs. Our machines support their educational system of the Community Plus Green College. Here, our machines will be used to educate vulnerable men and women in the trade. The school further engages with students by offering vocational, technical, entrepreneurship, digital skills, environmental, and community development training programs giving practical knowledge and employable skills.

The second and third legs of COPO include a Community Plus Microfinance and the Community Plus Agro & Environment Initiative. It promotes access to responsible financial services through VICOBA strengthening, savings mobilization, financial literacy, entrepreneurship support, microcredit facilitation, and economic empowerment initiatives.

VICOBA programs are extremely popular in east Africa and are one of many ways people are fighting for their own financial success. The later leg promotes sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and community resilience programs. The initiative supports communities to improve food security, increase incomes, and protect the environment for future generations.

With COPO being newly established in their own right, we are excited to closely watch the organization progress in their community. We are fortunate to be able to support this fast-growing group that will be providing many resources to people, including our sewing machines and the world of possibilities they create.

Thank you for your support!