In 2016, conflict forced Sucado Mohamed to flee her home in Xaradheere, leading her to seek refuge in the Kulmiye IDP camp in Adado. As a divorced mother of five, Sucado faced immense challenges, struggling to provide for her family amidst the uncertainties of displacement.
Life began to change for Sucado when she enrolled for a livelihood skills training on tailoring, an initiative by the KaafiaPlus project. This project, implemented by Save Somali Women and Children and funded by USAID through CRS, aimed to empower displaced individuals by equipping them with practical skills for self-sufficiency.
Figure 1 Sucada Mohamed during the training at Adado wellness centre.
Sucado embraced the tailoring training with determination and hope. Despite the difficulties of balancing the demands of single parenthood and training, she remained committed to mastering the skills being taught. The program provided her with comprehensive training, covering everything from basic stitching techniques to advanced garment repair.
Through hard work and perseverance, Sucado quickly became proficient in tailoring. She began by repairing clothes for her fellow camp residents and soon progressed to creating new garments. Her reputation for quality work spread, and she started receiving orders from outside the camp as well.
The income generated from her tailoring business allowed Sucado to provide for her children’s basic needs, ensuring they had food, clothing, and access to education. Beyond the financial benefits, the training restored Sucado’s sense of dignity and purpose, giving her a renewed sense of hope for the future.
After successful completion of 4 months training, the women and girls were givena start-up kit including a sewing machine,11 rolls of fabric and other accessories to take home with. They started their own tailoring shops and make money.
Today, Sucado’s tailoring business continues to thrive. She has even started mentoring other women in the camp, sharing the skills she acquired through the Kaafia Plus project. Her journey from displacement to empowerment stands as a testament to the impact of targeted livelihood programs in transforming lives.
Sucado Mohamed’s success story is a shining example of resilience and the transformative power of vocational training. With the support of Save Somali Women and Children and the funding from USAID through Catholic Relief Services, Sucado has not only built a sustainable livelihood for her family but has also become a beacon of hope for her community.
