For Falone and Nephtalie, entrepreneurship has become a pathway to independence and opportunity.

After graduating from the Espoir Training Center in 2021, the two women used their sewing and business management training, along with a loan from The One Thread Project, to establish a sewing workshop in Ndjili, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Since opening their workshop, they have expanded their work beyond sewing. Together, they train aspiring students and have grown their business to include the sale of secondhand clothing.

Today, their businesses generate approximately $50 in weekly profit, providing financial stability for their families. Falone is able to independently support her son and his education, while Nephtalie contributes to essential household expenses, including rent and food.

Through careful saving and financial planning, Falone has also been able to purchase half a plot of land, marking another milestone in her journey toward financial independence.

Their story demonstrates how access to education, practical skills, and financial resources can create opportunities that extend beyond the individual, strengthening families and communities.