Women for Change (WFC) held a one-day graduation ceremony on 27 November 2025 in Gumbo, Tokiman East Boma, celebrating 60 participants who successfully completed training in Tailoring, Local Energy-Saving Stoves, and Charcoal Briquette Production across two project locations.
The event brought together nearly 200 attendees, including government officials, payam administrators, the County Education Office, community leaders, well-wishers, and WFC staff, all gathered to honor the achievements of the trainees.
Graduates displayed their newly acquired skills through tailored garments, improved stoves, and high-quality briquettes. These demonstrations highlighted not only technical proficiency but also the participants’ transformation into confident artisans and aspiring entrepreneurs.
A drama performed by the tailoring class illustrated the challenges women face in households and underscored how skills training empowers women to contribute to household income while advocating for their rights.
According to Hasina Peace Kenyi, a Protection and Inclusion Specialist at Dan Church Aid, the project’s impact goes beyond technical training. She emphasized, “It’s not only about the skills, it is also about empowerment.”
She highlighted that women are now able to speak boldly and stressed that addressing extreme gender inequalities requires the involvement of both women and men. Hasina commended the active participation of men in the event, saying, “I was encouraged to see men marching with the women and holding the banners—this shows true unity and meaningful engagement.”
She urged graduates to make practical use of their knowledge: “Do not go home and sit on your skills. Use them, share them, and extend them to your families and communities so that no one is left behind.”
She also reaffirmed DCA’s commitment to supporting Women for Change in empowering more women, men, and communities across South Sudan.
In her part, the Guest of Honor, representing the County Education Director, acknowledged government structures from boma to county level for supporting the initiative. she congratulated the graduates and emphasized equal inclusion, particularly for persons with disabilities.
she also highlighted the significance of WFC’s work, noting that even teachers sometimes go unpaid, yet WFC continues to uplift.
Jackline Ifon Tombe, a graduate from Ladu Payam, expressed her gratitude:
“This is the first time something like this has happened in Ladu Payam. I am very happy with the skills I have gained, and I encourage Women for Change to continue empowering women in our area.”
for Mama Nadia Beneath, a charcoal briquette trainee from Gumbo, said:
“I saw this in Uganda but never had the chance to learn. Through Women for Change, I now have the skills and I am benefiting greatly. Now that we have certificates, we are ready to train others.”
She also thanked the Gender, Child, and Social Welfare Office for providing a storage facility that has boosted their business.
Asia Abdulrahim, a tailoring graduate, shared an emotional reflection:
“I always dreamed of graduating with my own sewing machine. We faced challenges, but we pushed through. Women for Change supported both men and women. May God bless WFC so more women can benefit from these services.”
According to Lumori Claudious Oliver, Acting Boma Director, WFC’s approach stands out for promoting long-term self-reliance.
He remarked, “There are organizations that give people food, and this is the reason many become lazy. But when an organization provides skills, people learn to work and earn money for themselves. These skills remain with them even if they move to places like Yei. But the dollars given today can finish quickly, and they will be hungry again.”
The ceremony concluded with words of encouragement as graduates prepared to venture into entrepreneurship, household income generation, and community training.
Women for Change reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening livelihoods, promoting gender equality, and equipping women and men with sustainable skills that will continue transforming communities across South Sudan.