In PNG, sewing answers prayers!

Generously supported by the Australian Government through AusAID, our Church partnership Program in PNG strengthens the Lutheran Church capacity to improve the livelihoods of local people. Like Mama Matango…

Mama Matango went to school until the end of year 10.  She was married at 18 and has 10 children.  She really wanted to learn skills, and prayed for opportunities to help her family.  Her husband became unemployed, so financially, the family really needed her to work, but she did not have any skills.  She prayed for an opportunity of employment.

Through the sewing classes sponsored by ALWS, Mama Matango found an answer to prayer. 

She was taught how to sew meri blouses, skirts, and clothes for her children.  She has been able to sell some of the clothing, and make enough money to feed her children. 

Mama Matango says that the sewing classes have changed her life and been an absolute blessing to her settlement community.  She has gained confidence and loves to see the positive way that it has impacted all the other women.  She thanks God for the opportunity to learn how to sew, and hopes that one day soon she will be able to save enough money to purchase her own sewing machine so she can do more sewing.

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Country: PNG

Where: Throughout PNG

What: Institutional Strengthening Program

Who: ELC-PNG

Our Contribution: $873,000

Through ALWS, you continue to work with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG to improve its capacity to deliver effective education, health and development services in a number of provinces. Assistance includes workshops and trainings on capacity building in areas such as governance, general and financial management, health education and skills training (eg sewing).

This work is largely funded by AusAID under the Church Partnership Program involving seven PNG denominations and their Australian partners.