After two and a half years, it’s incredible to see how much Aishah’s life has changed, thanks to the empowerment of The Grid. Aishah, a refugee and mother, joined Shop Refugee, which has grown far beyond a sewing class. It’s now a platform for accessible job training, allowing mothers like Aishah to improve their employability while balancing the demands of their families. For many students, including Aishah, GoTEN's sewing program provides their first direct source of income—empowering them to take steps toward financial independence.

In 2023 alone, Shop Refugee paid over $15,000 in wages, and with the support of donors from The Grid, the goal for 2024 is to surpass $20,000 in sales. Remarkably, 95% of every sale goes straight to seamstresses like Aishah, but the focus isn’t just on numbers. Higher sales mean more opportunities—more seats in the sewing classes, which currently have a long waiting list.

Aishah recently shared her thoughts on how much Shop Refugee has meant to her: “I like the class. I’m learning slowly, but I’m getting there. I like the environment. There’s so much help, and I like that one teacher is helping one student. I hope more people can come because it’s a good class.”

Thanks to The Grid’s ongoing support, women like Aishah are not only learning new skills but also building meaningful relationships and finding hope for a brighter future. Together, we empower and equip refugees to take bold steps toward their goals, showing that true change happens when we all come together.

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