In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are youth programs that provide the youth with various learning experiences. The Young Women’s program helps teenage girls build their testimonies of Jesus Christ and learn skills to prepare for their future roles as women in the Church and as contributing members of society.
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Leaders of young women groups plan weekly Sunday classes that teach young women gospel principles and how to apply them in daily living, by following Jesus Christ and doing what he would do if he were here.
Young women participate in an achievement program called “Personal Progress” by setting goals in eight value areas: faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, integrity and virtue. Girls also learn valuable skills and achieve awards through the Young Women camping program.
Many young women throughout the world are enjoying these opportunities.
Young Women in the Ntinda Branch in Kampala, Uganda and Young women in the Roosevelt Second Ward in Roosevelt, Utah, USA have created a long-distance friendship with their respective Young Women groups. This friendship is not only benefitting them spiritually and socially, but it is also enabling the Uganda Young Women to learn a practical skill.
Several months ago, Sister Wallace in the Uganda Kampala Mission Office was contacted by Sister Fernae Morley, the mother of a missionary who is serving in Uganda. Sister Morley wanted to connect her Young Women’s group in Roosevelt with a Young Women’s group in Uganda and offer a service that would be of help. Sister Wallace put Sister Morley in touch with Sister Mary Mukas Makinene, the 21 year old Young Women’s President in the Ntinda Branch. When Sister Morley asked if there was anything they could do to be of service to their Ugandan Young Women’s program, Sister Mary suggested that sewing machines and teaching the girls to sew would be a great benefit and blessing in their lives.
Without hesitation the young women in Roosevelt moved into action and raised the money in one week by taking orders for homemade cinnamon rolls in their community. The girls and leaders baked and sold 40 dozen cinnamon rolls in three days.
The money raised was wired to Sister Wallace, the Mission Office Secretary, so she could purchase four used sewing machines, sewing supplies and fabric. She made up 12 sewing kits in plastic carrying cases for the Young Women. Each kit contained: scissors, thread, sewing needles, pins, a pin cushion, thread trimmer, seam ripper, and measuring tape.
But the story does not end there. With the help of Sister Wallace, the Ntinda Branch Young Women leaders have been taught to sew handbags and aprons and now they will be able to teach the Young Women. President Obwona is also anxious for the Relief Society sisters in the branch to learn sewing skills as well, so that class is being planned.
Thousands of miles away on another continent, the Young Women in Roosevelt, Utah are gearing up for girls’ camp and will be wearing T-shirts that show a picture of all the Uganda Young Women in the Ntinda Branch with a list of their names and the caption…”Our Ugandan Friends.”