Empowering Young Mothers Through Skill Development Training
The Daughters of Mary Immaculate and Collaborators (DMI) is a registered religious congregation founded in 1984 and active in Papua New Guinea since 2018. Guided by the mission of “loving God and serving the poor to be fully human and fully alive,” DMI operates in 15 informal settlements throughout Port Moresby, reaching more than 2,500 families with programs focused on education, women’s empowerment, and humanitarian support.
In Papua New Guinea, young mothers living in settlements face severe barriers to economic stability and social inclusion. Unemployment is high, vocational training opportunities are scarce, and financial exclusion leaves many women unable to access capital or secure dignified work. Without marketable skills, these mothers are often forced into informal jobs with little stability or income—perpetuating cycles of poverty and dependence.
This project directly addresses those challenges by providing structured, market-relevant vocational training to 120 young mothers across the Barracks, 6th Mile, and 8th Mile settlements in Port Moresby. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in tailoring, catering, beautician services, and entrepreneurship. The training will be complemented by mentoring, financial literacy, and small business incubation support.
Key components of the initiative include:
Curriculum development and delivery of practical skill training
Procurement of materials and tools for each vocational area
Entrepreneurship and small business management workshops
Formation of young mothers' associations to promote peer support and group enterprise
Post-training linkages to financial services and market opportunities
Graduates will be empowered to either secure stable employment or launch their own small businesses, contributing to increased household income and improved quality of life. By building vocational capacity and encouraging economic participation, the project aims to reduce poverty and promote long-term resilience among young mothers and their communities.
Support Women’s Economic Empowerment in Papua New Guinea
Your donation will help young mothers gain the skills, confidence, and resources needed to build a stable future.
Funding Needed: 30,820 USD