The program was established in 2002 during the TWI workshop for the teenagers in the orphanage near Sarajevo. The orphans talked about their fear of having to leave the orphanage and they asked us to help them. The emotional trauma of the war and the disruption of their education are a major concern. 

     Studies show that many of the girls who leave their orphanage with no job skills turn to living on the street and many become prostitutes. The boys are often caught stealing food because they don't have jobs and are put in jail. 

      As a result of their request for help, TWI established a career building program that taught job-related skills, social skills and independent living skills. Thanks to a woman at the National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC and a young lady in Bosnia, TWI started the TWI Vocational Sewing Project to meet the needs of the "at risk" teenagers from orphanages.

     The Sewing Center was located in Sarajevo. The goals of the program were: 

(1) to help those teenagers who want to make sewing a career and help them sell items they made.

(2) to help those teenagers who complete the basic course but don't want to make sewing a career find a job in the field of their choice.

      

       Scholarships were provided to pay for transportation to and from the orphanage, for lunches and for other expenses. 

The director of the program was a lovely young lady who graduated from the University of Sarajevo with a degree in Fashion Design. Her kind and patient demeanor made her a positive example for the teenagers. 

The teenagers were required to apply to participate in the program and TWI worked with the directors of the orphanages throughout the program. 

 

Teaching basic business skills, commitment and personal grooming, along with sewing skills built self-esteem and provided an opportunity for them to get a job and to support themselves. 

 

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