Vístete de Sueños

Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela

Vistete de Sueños is a non-profit whose main mission is to empower women from low-income groups by teaching them a wide array of skills in the fashion industry. In addition to learning design, sewing, and pattern making, women who participate in this program are guided by teachers who foster a spirit of self-improvement, positive self-esteem, and go-getter attitude.

CARACAS, MIRANDA

Vístete de Sueños was founded in 2012, on the idea of empowering women economically and socially by preparing them for careers in the sewing industry. The organization provides intensive, 6 month courses, for a subsidized rate of $40 per course. Through these courses, the graduates are able to find jobs as highly-skilled industrial seamstresses, achieving economic independence and improving their lives and the lives of their families.

Founder Eglantina Pares believes  that connecting with their artistic side helps women overcome harsh situations, which greatly improves their social and spiritual status, while generating income on the side. As a whole, the project seeks to empower women by teaching them skills and creating opportunities for them to thrive on their own. Pares said her program also works to raise awareness on the importance of fair remuneration for seamstresses.

Currently all instructors at Vístete de Sueños are former graduates of the program. Instructors are paid, which is one potential career option for those who complete the program. The organization also is working to build more connections in the textile and sewing industry, to help connect graduates with job opportunities.