This 12-month program includes intensive career skills training and an internship at a local boutique. All classes are taught by a skilled seamstress and educator. After each lesson every student completes a performance and written exam. Once they pass the exam, they are able to move on to the next lesson. Upon completing each lesson, they are able to begin their final project - designing and making a unique outfit.

We offer business basics training using the Alternativ Project Curriculum. This interaction-based curriculum offers lesson ranging from practical financial management like basic budgeting, customer service, comparative advantage, to principles in business like ethics, and leadership. At the close of this training each woman learns how to write a unique business plan and have the opportunity to present this plan for a seed loan to get her started.

Literacy empowers and liberates people. Knowing to read & write is not only a basic human right but can expand our student’s confidence to participate in the labor market and increase their client base. If you are educated in Congo, you speak French. Most of our students did not have the privilege of completing school due to lack of financial resources. At Espoir, we want to give them that opportunity back with classes in speaking, reading, and writing.