old hall junior school

Kamonyi Sewing Project

In November 2025, Heather travelled to Llandudno in Wales

to meet a congregation from St David's Methodist Church at

Craig-y-Don.

The minister of this church, Rev. James Garnett, has worked

with The Goboka Rwanda Trust, having visited Rwanda some

years ago as part of a small group from The Queen's

Foundation College in Birmingham, whilst training for Ministry.

James took up his new appointment in Wales in 2024 and

found that his congregation would soon be looking for an

overseas charity to support for a 3-year period, and

suggested Goboka to them, which resulted in Heather's visit.

Several projects were identified, all of which could start in a

small way, but then be built on for the future. After

deliberation, a new Sewing School was chosen for their

support, which will train 15 young unmarried mothers

(aged 15-19) at a time, for a 1-year period. This will offer skills

in tailoring and sewing machine operation.

It will eventually operate with 10 treadle sewing machines, one button- holer and an overlooker, plus the services of a qualified seamstress to train these young women.

The project will operate from the PHARP Headquarters in Kamonyi, where they relocated in 2024 as their previous premise suddenly came under a government demolition plan. PHARP now have the space to house the sewing school, which seeks to build the economic independence of the students, their self-esteem and to offer social re-integration, contributing to poverty reduction and gender equality.

The scheme officially launched in January 2026, and we're pleased to share its progress and updates with you below.

St. David's Methodist Church Kamonyi Sewing School Fundraising Events Updates:

Church service, Soup lunch & quiz - 26th january 2026

St. David's launched their fundraising with a church service followed by a soup lunch & quiz on the 26th of January. The event raised a fantastic £507.35.

The Church also launched their programme for the next few months, which is really varied and interesting and certainly offers something for every taste.

Well done to all those who organised, helped, and supported this event. Thank you again for all you are doing to support us.