“My eyes opened to the extreme poverty that they endure,” she says, “and their hunger to learn and improve their own lives inspired me. They have dreams just like we do.”
With a passion to help the people of Zambia, Amy redirected her career path from Manhattan to Africa. She founded Clothed in Hope, a nonprofit that teaches women about common, preventable diseases, basic sewing skills and financial responsibility.
“My goal is to provide a long-term solution to Zambia’s dire situation by empowering these women with life skills and knowledge to support themselves,” she explains.
When women complete the program, they receive sewing machines to make and sell items at the local market. If desired, the women can work with Clothed In Hope to make items that are sold on Etsy and benefit the program. Amy has raised $15,000 in Clothed in Hope’s first year, enough to launch the organization. Reaching her goal of $70,000 will allow her to sustain it. Money, however, did not motivate Amy to develop Clothed In Hope.
“People tell me I could create the next ‘TOMS movement’,” she says, “but that isn’t what drove me to do this. To tell just one woman, ‘You’re special to the world,’ is reason enough, because they have never been told that.”
Amy will return to Zambia after she graduates in May with hope and a plan for a people who captured her heart.
- You can give hope to Zambia too. Visit www.clothedinhope.org to donate!
- What do donations provide?
All of the program’s supplies, which are bought in Zambia to support its economy.
- Contact Amy if you want to volunteer. All skills are welcome!
