Don Bosco Stitches Takes Women from ‘Streets to Runway’, Marks Five Years of Empowerment

Sunday Ehigiator

Don Bosco Stitches, an initiative of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has celebrated five years of empowering women with vocational and fashion skills, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial potential of its beneficiaries at a colourful runway fashion show in Lagos.

The anniversary event, themed ‘From the Streets to the Runway’, was held recently in Lagos, bringing together fashion designers, beneficiaries, industry stakeholders and guests to celebrate the impact of the initiative.

The programme’s convener and the Salesian of Don Bosco, Fr. Chikezie Ekugbah, said the runway show was conceived to move women trained by the organisation from skills acquisition to visibility, networking and economic opportunities.

According to him, the beneficiaries were the central focus of the event, as the organisation sought to provide them with a platform to display what they had learnt and connect with opportunities beyond the training environment.

“The event, From the Street to the Runway, is about bringing the ladies who have studied and learnt in Don Bosco Stitches all these years, our 50th anniversary, to the runway, putting them on the big stage.

“They are the main protagonists, and we help to give them the networking and the possibilities they can be able to get anywhere, as they are here.”

Ekugbah explained that the empowerment programme evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the economic disruption left many women without jobs and sources of livelihood.

He recalled that Don Bosco initially responded to the pandemic by producing and distributing face masks to hospitals, schools and other parts of Lagos before expanding its intervention to skills acquisition for young women.

“Many things came about during COVID, and very interestingly, this was vetted by COVID. We started first with making face masks, distributing them for free in hospitals, schools, and different parts.

“From there, we started training young women, because we noticed that during COVID, the percentage of women who had lost their jobs was on a very high side, more than men.

“And very beautifully, this program has also trained and mentored returned migrants who have come in with no hope, and we gave them a new lease of life,” Ekugbah said.

Since inception, he disclosed that Don Bosco Stitches had trained 264 students and provided 114 start-up grants to beneficiaries, although the organisation later suspended the grants as the rising cost of providing start-up packages made the intervention increasingly difficult to sustain.

The impact of the training, however, has extended beyond the direct beneficiaries, with some of the women going on to train others. The runway also provided beneficiaries and emerging designers with an opportunity to showcase collections developed from their experiences and training.

One of them, the CEO of Teeujor Fashion House, Tereza Ujor, described Don Bosco Stitches as the foundation of her fashion journey.

Ujor, whose brand specialises in ready-to-wear clothing and training, said the institution had exposed her to practical skills including freehand pattern sewing and pattern drafting.

“Don Bosco Stitches is an amazing place where you can learn your freehand pattern sewing, your pattern drafting as well, and learn a lot from there. In fact, going there has been like an eye-opener for me. It’s helped me to start. Don Bosco is my beginning. I think that’s the right word to use.”

For the runway, Ujor presented what she described as her “popcorn dress,” a creation inspired by childhood memories.

“I’m exhibiting a beautiful dress, especially my popcorn dress here. I believe it’s an amazing idea and I know nobody would actually think of that. It’s part of my creation, and I say thank you to Don Bosco Stitches.”

She expressed the hope that the organisation would continue to extend its training and mentorship to more women interested in fashion.

“I wish they impart the same knowledge that they have imparted to me to other women out there, people who are interested in fashion. I pray that God bless them and continue to give them the strength to go further because this is an amazing opportunity for me and I believe others out there.”

Also featured at the runway was the Creative Director of Lolamot Couture, Omolola Omole, who showcased a collection she described as “effortless elegance.”

Omole said her designs were inspired by women who wanted to look elegant while remaining comfortable and free.

“What inspired this outfit is basically women who love good, love to look good. It’s just effortless. They don’t want stress, and they want to look good. They love to be free and look nice. So, that is what inspired it for women.

“Don Bosco has really, really impacted me because from the beginning of the journey with them and now I’m here. So, Lollapalooza began after Don Bosco, and I’m glad I have the opportunity to be among the designers that will showcase our collection for the fifth anniversary.”

She thanked the organisation for allowing her to participate in the anniversary celebration.

“I’m so grateful. I’m so happy that they count me worthy to be among the designers. I want this organisation to continue doing this good work for women. This is an occasion for women who want to be somebody in life. That women want to be great in life,” she said.

Another beneficiary, and founder of NATAG Couture, Chinonye Opara, showcased a collection designed around the idea that fashion should not only enhance appearance but also solve practical problems.

Opara said her collection was inspired by women who sometimes struggle to feel comfortable in conventional clothing because of their body shape.

“What I noticed is that fashion is not all about just styling. It’s also a platform for solving problems too. Some women don’t have hips, who are not comfortable, who… They don’t feel comfortable in what they are wearing. And so, that is what inspired my collections.”

A Don Bosco Stitches alumna, Opara said the training had significantly improved her skills and knowledge of fashion.

“It has been of great, great help to me. In adding to my skills and knowledge about fashion. It’s something that has inspired me and has helped me a lot in this fashion,” she said.

Opara wished Don Bosco Stitches many more years of impact and called for increased support from sponsors.

“I am wishing them many, many more years to celebrate. Many more achievements. Many more women to help. And many more sponsors to help them achieve their goals,” she said.