Sonia Tuyishimire graduated from the Faculty of Law at the Light University of Bujumbura. With the support of the Youth Economic Empowerment and Employment Program (PAEEJ), she recently launched the Shaza Nawe cooperative, which specializes in sewing all styles and fashions of clothing using denim fabric.
“After noticing that many people love clothes made from denim but often cannot find the styles they want because these clothes are imported, I decided to create a cooperative that would sew denim fashions according to customer needs. Starting was challenging, especially when it came to sourcing denim fabric. Initially, I would buy ready-made denim clothes, take them apart, and sew them back together according to the customer’s wishes. I am very grateful to PAEEJ for their support, which has been crucial in helping me successfully carry out my project,” says Sonia.
Visit of the National Coordinator of PAEEJ Burundi.
As Sonia is still in the early stages of her business, she faces several challenges, such as the lack of a machine to add stamps or logos on the clothes to indicate they were made by Shaza Nawe. However, she is gradually finding solutions as the number of customers ordering from her shop continues to grow.
Sonia’s project has become a valuable solution for many. “Many people come to our Shaza Shop to have various clothes made from denim fabric,” she says with a smile.
Sonia calls on the government and potential investors to establish a company in the coming years that could produce denim fabric in Burundi, making it easier to access.
Sonia Tuyishimire in Shaza Shop
onia’s cooperative envisions that any Burundian seeking clothing made from denim will always choose Shaza Nawe, knowing they can have any style crafted in denim fabric there. “I also want the clothing produced by our Shaza Nawe cooperative to be available on the international market,” she adds.
Sonia advises young people with internet access not to waste their time but to seek opportunities that could enhance their skills. She emphasizes the abundance of opportunities available and encourages them to make choices that contribute to their personal growth and development.
