In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where economic disparity often limits opportunities, one nonprofit is sewing a brighter future—one stitch at a time. One Thread Project (onethreadproject.org), based in Lincoln, Nebraska is a beacon of empowerment, offering women the skills, confidence, and financial tools needed to build self-sustaining careers and thriving communities.

A Mission Rooted in Empowerment
One Thread Project is on a mission to unlock the potential of women through education, business training, and practical skill development. Their holistic 12-month program equips students with more than just a skill—they gain literacy, leadership, and the means to support themselves and their families.

Hands-On Training for Lasting Impact
At the core of the program is sewing education. Over the course of a year, women undergo rigorous training in sewing and tailoring, including internships at local boutiques. Upon graduation, students receive a seamstress license and a sewing machine—tangible tools to start earning immediately.
But One Thread’s approach goes beyond the needle and thread.

Building Businesses and Futures
The business training curriculum is highly interactive, covering key concepts in financial management, business ethics, and leadership. Women don’t just learn how to sew—they learn how to run a business, manage their income, and serve their communities with dignity.
Through its seed loan program, One Thread ensures that promising graduates don’t stop at a certificate. These small loans, supported by donors and matched one-to-one with graduates, provide the startup capital needed to launch new businesses in a country where access to credit is scarce.

Measurable Impact Since 2015 

  • 450+ students served since 2015
  • 200 women graduated from the Women’s Circle program
  • 175 Language Student Graduates
  • 60 language students currently learning basic literacy, French, and English
  • 32+ Businesses have been launched through our Seed Loan Program
  • 110 weekly visitors accessing services and support
  • 8 local staff members employed at a dignified, honorable wage

A Thread That Connects Us All
The name “One Thread” speaks to the interconnectedness of all people. With each woman who graduates, each business that opens, and each life that changes, the organization strengthens the fabric of the communities it serves.

In a world often divided by borders and barriers, One Thread Project reminds us that a single thread, when woven with purpose and compassion, can hold together a powerful story of resilience and transformation.