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In the Central African Republic (CAR), decades of violent conflict have left many people trapped in poverty, and women in particular are feeling the impact. Three in four women lack access to education, and can’t read or write. Many of them are forced to drop out of school early, when they get married or have children, and some rely on family members to support their education.
Judith is a 27-year-old mother of two who lives in Bangui, CAR. She currently sells fish at the local market to make a small income, but life is a daily struggle.
‘[My parents] sent me to school, paid my fees, and I even went to university to study human resources,’ Judith says.
‘In my third year, I got pregnant with my first child. My parents wanted me to carry on with my studies, but my boyfriend was against it. He wouldn’t let me.
‘I haven’t been able to go back to school to finish my studies. After I gave birth, I started doing little businesses, selling things here and there, so I wouldn’t be a burden on my family. But I’ve lost my confidence.’
Without education, women are denied opportunities to earn and provide for their families. The pressure can be crushing.
The gift of education
Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training teaches local churches to use the resources and skills they already have to help lift their communities out of poverty. In Judith’s village, a woman named Esther received Tearfund’s training through her church, and set up a training centre where women could study literacy, sewing and other practical skills.
‘I got interested in the training centre because it was a way to learn more skills,’ says Judith. ‘Even though I knew how to read and write, I wanted to get vocational training. With tailoring, I feel like I’m getting a skill that will help me put food on the table.
‘Being with other girls and women and learning together is empowering, and we support each other. Most of us have been through tough times. But we have hope.’
‘Most of us have been through tough times. But we have hope.’ – Judith
Opening a doorway of hope
For women like Judith, education is life-changing. But it doesn’t just change their lives, it rewrites their children’s futures, too. With their new skills, women can start small businesses, earn a living, and send their children to school.
‘Being able to study at the training centre will open new doors for me because of the new skills I’m learning,’ says Judith. ‘Mama Esther shares all her skills with us and gives us good advice to help us be strong, have hope, and aim for good things. I hope to have my own tailoring workshop and make beautiful outfits.’
With her new skills, Judith will be able to provide for her children, and the fruit of her training will last for generations. And the impact doesn’t stop with her own family. Judith has been so inspired by the training that she’s passing on her knowledge to the rest of her community.
‘I now give advice to young people to make good choices in their lives so they can build a better future.’
Now, Judith is looking to God for the future: ‘Please pray for our family so we can find a way to earn enough money to feed our children and look after them well.
‘Pray for my husband to get a job when he’s done with school. In our country, even if you have a degree, there are no jobs.’
Finally, Judith adds, ‘Pray for my country. Please pray for security and for lasting peace.’
As well as praying for Judith and CAR, you can donate to Tearfund’s latest appeal to help even more local churches give people the skills they need to lift themselves out of poverty.
