A New Path Forward: How Skills Training Transformed Dimitrina’s Future
Dimitrina, 38, lives with her nine-year-old son in Krupnik, Bulgaria, where opportunities are scarce. Like many Roma girls, she left school early to marry, leaving her dreams behind.24th August 2025
A life full of challenges
Born into poverty in a community marked by discrimination and limited schooling, Dimitrina seemed destined to fade into the background, never believing she had anything to offer.
Her family’s struggles worsened when her husband, Dimitar, developed diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney failure, eventually losing a leg to amputation. Jobs were hard to come by, and financial pressure mounted.
A chance for change
When Mission Without Borders enrolled Dimitrina’s family in our Family Sponsorship Programme, she received both material support and encouragement. Emil, MWB staff member, regularly visited the family and eventually suggested she join a vocational tailoring course.
“When Emil offered me the chance to join the professional tailoring course, I didn’t hesitate,” Dimitrina said. “I’d never sewn before and was afraid of the sewing machine. But I was motivated because employers kept refusing me for lack of qualifications.”
Learning and growing
Dimitrina faced challenges at first, but her determination and the patience of her teachers helped her succeed.
“It wasn’t easy at first. Dimitrina had no skills and progressed slowly,” said her teacher Milena. “But she was persistent and determined to complete the course so she could help her family. By the end, she had become sociable, focused, and confident.”
After completing the course and receiving her certificate, Dimitrina applied for a local job and was hired immediately.
“I confidently explained that I had completed a tailoring course and had a certificate. That was the key that opened the door to my future. I was offered a job the very next day. I am so grateful to God and to MWB for reaching out to me when my family needed help most.”
Finding strength in loss
Last year, Dimitrina lost her husband. The grief was overwhelming, but the support she received through MWB gave her the strength to move forward.
“The spiritual and emotional support I received, along with having a stable job for my child, helped me survive and keep going,” she said.
Emil added, “Vocational courses like this are life-changing for families in this community. Without them, women have very few alternatives for work. Skills training combined with material and emotional support creates lasting change.”
A new chapter begins
Once insecure and reserved, Dimitrina is now a confident, skilled provider for her family. She has transformed her life through perseverance, faith, and the support of MWB.
