Ten Thousand Villages Spotlights Local Afghan Sewing Students in One-Day Popup, August 2
ALEXANDRIA, VA–In 2024, Forozan Mirwais launched a non-profit sewing school offering free sewing classes to empower immigrant women. Drawing from her own experiences as an immigrant, she aimed to help these women develop essential skills for professional growth and achieve financial independence. The school’s students will showcase their work on Saturday, August 2, at Ten Thousand Villages, 915 King Street, Old Town, Alexandria, VA, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To enhance the shopping experience, complimentary Afghan saffron and green tea will be served, offering customers a delightful taste of the rich culture reflected in the unique creations on display. This pop-up event aims to showcase the talent of these women while fostering community support and connection.
Forozan Mirwais has successfully conducted three 16-week sewing classes over the past year, positively impacting the lives of more than 30 women. The program has fostered connections among the participants, building a sense of camaraderie that helps them start anew in a foreign land. Forozan reiterated, “This program not only teaches a valuable skill but also fosters a supportive community as participants adjust to their new lives.” A graduation ceremony on May 29, covered by Zebra Press, celebrated Afghan and Ethiopian students who have now transitioned from sewing for themselves using donated fabric to selling their original clothing designs and accessories.
This shift marks a significant milestone, as the women now have the opportunity to earn an essential income through their craftsmanship. With their newfound skills, these resilient women are not only learning to make a living; they are also weaving hope and empowerment into their own lives and those of their families.
Located in the heart of Old Town, Ten Thousand Villages Alexandria is proudly celebrating its 31st year of operation as a leading Fair Trade organization of Northern Virginia, having opened its doors in 1994. Under the dedicated management of Kate McMahon, who has served as store manager since 2008 and now holds the position of Managing Director, this local nonprofit operates with volunteers as an independent epicenter for ethical shopping. As McMahon often shares with customers while handing out the nine “Fair Trade Principles” printed on elephant dung paper, “We are a local nonprofit, operating independently, retail with a conscience.”
In addition to her dedication to fair trade, Kate has forged meaningful collaborations with local nonprofits, such as the upcoming Afghan Sewing School, Twig, and Seniors Services. These partnerships have paved the way for vibrant community “shop events” where shopping becomes a philanthropic endeavor. One such initiative, “shopping for a cause,” seamlessly intertwines retail therapy with altruism, supporting essential causes such as aiding victims of human trafficking, providing care for animals in need, or conserving species facing extinction.
The Afghan Sewing School August 2nd pop-up is a result of McMahon’s partnership with Melanie Gray, the Director of Outreach and Mission at Christ Church in Old Town, Alexandria. Christ Church is part of a network of churches that supports the nonprofit sewing school “Learn To Sew With Forozan.” Christ Church’s congregation generously donated a sewing machine to each graduating student during the ceremony held on May 29th, as reported by Zebra.
McMahon, with her infectious enthusiasm, skillfully cultivates global partnerships with the support of the Fair Trade Association. This initiative empowers artisans from around the world, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their exquisite craftsmanship. Visitors to the store are treated to a rich array of unique, handcrafted art and high-quality clothing, with each piece telling a story of culture and creativity. When asked which principle of fair trade is the most important to her, she answers firmly, “Ensuring safe working conditions—no sweatshops!” She adds, “Like many of the store’s partnerships with local artisans and non-profits, the August 2nd event is an opportunity to celebrate the talents of these immigrant seamstresses.”
