Samson

Why We’re Fundraising A sewing machine can change a life. Inside a refugee camp, where movement is restricted, jobs are scarce, and hope is often fragile. It's hard to imagine, but daily life is defined by limits: limited movement, limited work, limited choices. But when someone learns a practical skill, something shifts. Suddenly there is hope. Pride. A way forward. We are fundraising because we met Sam and he showed us that this transformation can happen, and right now, 25 people are waiting for the tools that could change their future. Who we are and what we’re raising funds for We are raising €8.000 to support Sam, a refugee fashion designer, trainer, and the founder of BALWA Africa Enterprise in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. This funding will allow Sam to purchase 25 sewing machines to train 25 refugees (youth, women, single mothers, and school dropouts) so they can learn tailoring and earn a small, sustainable income within the camp. Why this cause matters deeply to us Through our work with New Optimist, we’ve always believed in supporting makers, the people behind the craft. Ethical fashion, to us, has always been about dignity, skills, and creating opportunities that last beyond one moment. That is why Sam’s story resonated with us so strongly. Sam grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a family of seven children, where resources were limited but resilience was strong. As a child, he often received clothes that were too big, meant to be “grown into.” He was grateful, but he also felt the discomfort and quiet shame of wearing something that didn’t fit. That stayed with him. It taught him early on how deeply clothing is tied to dignity and self-worth. That awareness turned into purpose when Sam watched his aunt sew clothes for neighbours and saw how perfectly fitted garments brought joy and pride. At just 17, he secretly taught himself how to tailor using his aunt sewing machine. Soon after, his father passed away. Sam had to leave school and help support his family. Tailoring became more than a skill — it became survival. In 2015, war forced Sam and his family to flee to Kakuma Refugee Camp. Life there was harsh and food rations, limited opportunity, and constant uncertainty were day to day reality. As the eldest son, Sam worked in tailoring shops to support his family while continuing school whenever possible. Instead of giving up, Sam chose to give back. BALWA Africa Enterprise: from survival to shared opportunity Unemployment in Kakuma Refugee Camp is overwhelming. Many young people and women have no access to formal education or skills training. Tailoring exists, but mostly without structure, equipment, or pathways to independence. Sam founded BALWA Africa Enterprise to change this reality. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam received a tent to produce face masks. He earned 40,000 KES, reinvested every shilling into sewing equipment, and officially launched BALWA Africa. Today, BALWA Africa is a fashion and training hub specializing in African kitenge fabrics, custom tailoring, and skills development. Sam has already trained more than 10 refugees, several of whom now earn income through tailoring. One former trainee has opened their own shop and now employs others. Why this fundraiser is urgent Right now, Sam has the knowledge, the space, and the demand, but not enough machines. Without sewing machines, training stops. With them, 25 people can begin building a future immediately. How the funds will be used Every dollar raised will go directly toward: Purchasing 25 sewing machines Training 25 refugees in practical tailoring skills Enabling trainees to earn income inside the camp, where opportunities are extremely limited Each sewing machine equals one person gaining dignity, purpose, and economic possibility. How the beneficiary will receive the funds Funds will be received by Sam / BALWA Africa Enterprise and used exclusively to purchase sewing machines and support the training program. The machines will remain with BALWA Africa and be used continuously to train future cohorts, multiplying the impact well beyond this fundraiser. Why your support matters now We believe refugees do not need charity. They need access, tools, and trust. Sam has already proven what is possible with almost nothing. Imagine what he can do with the right support. By donating today, you are investing in skills over handouts, dignity over dependency, and people over systems. Please help us equip 25 refugees with the tools to rebuild their lives. One stitch at a time.