Stories of Impact
Bahdinan Qader Hassan lives in the north of Iraq. She studied finance at a technical institute but has always had an interest in handicraft work, especially crochet. She decided to learn how to crochet four years ago. Now she has an online crochet business and enrolled in Prosperity Catalyst’s program in 2019. Prosperity Catalyst’s business training helped her develop and manage her business more intentionally, giving her a chance to increase her sales and income. By securing larger orders and designing new products, she can expand her business to employ more women.
Myrlande loves sewing and the satisfaction of having happy clients. Although she has a variety of clients and operates a viable business, when she enrolled in Prosperity Catalyst’s program, she realized that she could improve her business to make it stronger. After receiving training through Prosperity Catalyst she says, “Now I am able to have more control over my value chain and finances, which saves me time and allows me to better manage the resources I have to invest back into my sewing business. Because of her perseverance and skills, Prosperity Catalyst contracts her to make beekeeping suits for every beekeeper in the program. She has even contracted five women to sew in her workshop thus further providing essential income to other members of her community.
Ninos Thabet is a young artisan from the northern area of Iraq. He graduated from college with an arts degree in sculpting. He says he inherited his talent from his father and has gained a lot of experience from working with his father. Ninos participated in Prosperity Catalyst’s program to learn new skills and gain knowledge in business management and marketing. Ninos looks forward to his artwork and unique style gaining notice outside of Iraq.
Murielle graduated from Prosperity Catalyst’s artisan training program in Haiti. During a follow-up visit, we learned that her business producing macramé sandals is thriving, so much so that she was able to buy enough cement blocks to add space to her one room house in Canaan. It’s the business skills that she acquired during her time in the Prosperity Catalyst program that she values most. Her improved income means she no longer struggles to pay the school fees for her four children, one of whom is now enrolled in university.
Sahar’s Story
Hear Sahar share about her life as a mom facing difficult financial circumstances and how Prosperity Catalyst gave her hope and confidence for her future.