Economic Empowerment / Workforce Development / Job Placement / Entrepreneurship & Manufacturing
The Amani Sewing Academy (ASA) is a comprehensive, 12-month workforce development and economic empowerment program designed for refugee women and survivors of violence. Participants receive hands-on sewing instruction while building the practical skills, confidence, and support systems needed to achieve greater self-sufficiency.
Beyond sewing, the Academy provides culturally responsive wraparound services, including workforce development, entrepreneurship training, financial literacy, ESL support through our ESL Buddy Project, counseling and Sister Circles, public benefits navigation, transportation assistance, and job-placement support.
Graduates earn a certificate and receive a heavy-duty sewing machine to help them launch a home-based business, pursue employment, or continue into advanced training. Some graduates also gain opportunities to become assistant instructors or join Amani Women Center’s manufacturing and social-enterprise initiatives.
By addressing economic, educational, social, and emotional needs together, the Amani Sewing Academy helps women build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen their families, and become confident leaders in their communities.
Phase One:
Foundational and Advanced Sewing:
- Months 1–3: Beginner Fundamentals — Introduction to sewing machines, tools, fabrics, measurements, pattern reading, and basic construction techniques.
- Months 4–6: Intermediate Training — Development of garment construction, alterations, finishing techniques, and production skills.
- Months 7–12: Advanced Applications — Advanced projects, quality standards, entrepreneurship preparation, and workforce-readiness training.
Phase Two:
Industrial Sewing and Income Pathways:
- Qualified graduates may receive additional training in industrial sewing-machine operation
- Production methods, quality control, and workplace safety.
- They may also pursue employment, establish a home-based business.
- Become assistant instructors, or qualify for contractual and piecework opportunities with AWC’s manufacturing and social-enterprise teams.
Training Structure and Milestones:
- The Amani Sewing Academy offers a structured, 12-month training program that helps participants progress from basic sewing skills to advanced and industrial applications.
A Supportive Learning Environment:
ASA provides a safe, culturally responsive learning environment equipped with domestic and industrial sewing machines, a fabric and supply room, and experienced instructors. Participants also have access to counselors, case workers, and Amani Community Ambassadors. Sewing kits, fabrics, notions, tools, and other essential training materials are provided.
What We Aim to Address:
Refugee women often face unemployment and underemployment because of language barriers, limited transportation, gaps in digital access, unfamiliarity with workplace systems, and limited access to job training and professional networks.
Amani Women Center addresses these barriers through culturally responsive sewing instruction, workforce development, entrepreneurship education, and comprehensive support services. The Amani Sewing Academy helps close the gap between women seeking sustainable employment and the growing opportunities available in sewing, alterations, manufacturing, and small-business ownership.
Pathways for Participants & Graduates:
- Pursue employment in sewing, alterations, apparel production, and manufacturing.
- Establish home-based sewing and alteration businesses.
- Continue into advanced sewing and workforce training.
- Qualify for opportunities as assistant instructors at the Amani Sewing Academy.
- Earn income through contractual or piecework opportunities with AWC’s manufacturing team.
- Produce merchandise for AWC’s social enterprise, Johari Africa®.
- Build the confidence, financial knowledge, and workplace skills needed for long-term success.
- And lastly but not the least, Sew clothing and other useful items for themselves and their families.
The Program:
- Delivers more than 650 hours of instruction and training annually.
- Prepares approximately 50–75 women each year for employment, entrepreneurship, and income-generating opportunities.
- Integrates sewing instruction with workforce development and wraparound support.
- Awards graduates a certificate of completion.
- Provides each graduate with a new heavy-duty sewing machine to help launch a home-based business or continue building professional skills.
- Creates pathways to advanced training, industrial sewing, employment, assistant teaching, and paid production opportunities.
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