In a heartwarming gesture of humanitarian kindness, Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM) an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals in need, has successfully graduated four talented seamstresses from its vocational training program.
The organization provided each of the graduates which included two widows, with comprehensive starter packs, equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to embark on their journey as skilled professionals.
The ceremony which held at the Good Samaritan Ministries, Mgbuoba, Port Harcourt on Sunday, May 28, 2023, was attended by community members, ministers, volunteers, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of these aspiring seamstresses.
The event showcased the organization’s commitment to transforming lives and creating sustainable livelihoods through education and vocational training.
The four graduates, namely Victoria Jibrin, Chika Nkama, Angela Iyere Ebare and Angela Brown, underwent an intensive training program facilitated by skilled instructors and industry experts at the Good Samaritan Ministries Sewing School.
Over the course of several months, they honed their sewing skills and learned various techniques, ranging from pattern making to garment construction.
During the graduation ceremony, each seamstress was presented with a certificate as well as personalized starter pack tailored to their individual needs and aspirations.
The packs included essential sewing tools such as sewing machines, cutting tools, measuring tapes, threads, fabrics, and other necessary supplies.
Speaking at the event, the Assistant Continental Director of Good Samaritan Ministries, (World Wide), Rev (Dr) Faraday Izuchukwu, expressed pride in the graduates’ dedication and progress.
Iwuchukwu, a Professor of Theology, emphasized the organization’s commitment to nurturing talent and empowering individuals with the necessary skills to build a brighter future.
Giving insight into the birthing of the organization, the cleric narrated his meeting with the founder of GSM, the late American caregiver, Dr. Betty Mitchel, 37 years ago in the Netherlands.
“She’s my number one mentor while Billy Graham is number two. I told her I was running the Christian Help Outreach. We exchanged our operational objectives but I forget about it after my return to Nigeria”, he said.
He said he finally answered the call to humanitarian service following an experience years ago at Rumueme in Port Harcourt when he attended to a girl who was abandoned to die by the road side.
According to Iwuchukwu, he picked up the girl and took her to a hospital where doctors battled to save her life.
He paid her bills, and when the owner of the clinic realized he was just a stranger who offered a helping hand, all the doctor could say was ‘you must be a Good Samaritan’!
“That statement fired up something in me, and I remembered my late mentor, Dr. Betty Mitchell, and that led me into the ministry of Good Samaritan”, he said.
The impact of Good Samaritan Ministries’ vocational training program extends far beyond the graduation ceremony.
By equipping these seamstresses with the tools and knowledge required for self-employment, the organization is fostering economic independence and empowerment within the community.
The graduates now have the opportunity to generate income for themselves and their families while contributing to the local economy.
The success of this program underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives in creating sustainable change.
Good Samaritan Ministries continues to serve as a beacon of hope, offering opportunities for individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty and build prosperous lives.
As these four talented seamstresses embark on their new journey, they serve as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with the right support and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams.
Good Samaritan Ministries remains committed to its mission of transforming lives and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.