My name it Laura Kerr, I am preparing to move to Kitwe’s Villages of Hope in Zambia, Africa for one year leaving on March 25th. My purpose there is to teach sewing in the village to the grade 12 graduates.

I went to the Art Institute of Vancouver for two years to gain my Fashion Design and Merchandising Diploma. And I will use the skill I have learned here to teach the students, beginners to intermediate, sewing and garment construction

I had been thinking about doing something like this for a few months before I graduated so when the opportunity came up (as soon as I was done school) I was on board immediately.

I found out about the Village of Hope (VOH) when the founders visited my church in Terrace in January 2009, as my church supports them. They took me out for lunch and explained what they would like me to do and answered my questions. Before we were done lunch I knew I wanted to go and that this is where God was leading me.

The program I will be working with is one the VOH developed called YEP; Youth Empowerment Program. This was developed to help students who graduate from VOH School to retain more life skills; to give them more options of possible jobs and to help them on their way to their future careers.

I was also asked to start an after school program for the grade eleven and twelve’s who want to learn basic sewing skills. Sewing is a great skill to have; a very usable and sell-able one. My hope is that they can use this skill to help them wherever they go.

I am currently working at Urban Colour and teach a small sewing class on the side, which I am really enjoying as a good learning experience; for me as well as them.


You can follow my adventure on my blog at www.thewayitseams.blogspot.com

To donate and see recent prayer requests go to:
http://www.paoc.org/missions/missionaries.aspx?mID=394

To learn more about Villages of Hope go to: www.vohafrica.com