Nadia
1. What is your role at Ndara?
I crochet rugs, embroider and sew animals. As I am one of the first artisans that Ndara employed, I have a lot of experience now, so I train the new recruits. I show the other women how they can better the quality of their products by improving their techniques. I have also been a part of a lot of different Ndara projects; like indigo dyeing.
2. What does Ndara mean to you?
Ndara means I can take care of my family. It means I can make plans for the future, and my children can go to school. The money I earn from Ndara means that I don't have to depend on anyone to support my family. I bought land, built a house and put it up for rent, it provides me with a passive income - and Ndara made this possible.
Ndara also means a lot of hard work, and I have to keep learning. Learning is not always fun, or easy, but it’s good for me. And for my family.
3. What are your hopes for the future?
Of course I dream of peace and stability for my family, and for my children to go to schools and live long lives. But I dream of being able to go into one of those big fabric stores I’ve seen on television and buying any fabric that I want. And then to sew whatever dress I want of that fabric. Imagine how wonderful that would be? I dream of sewing beautiful dresses for my daughters and of teaching them how to sew. I hope that Ndara will continue to grow and that we will be able to help more women and more families.