Anna Colley, a third-year tailoring and design student at the Starfish Skill Center, a Mona partner organization since 2019, shared her story of perseverance, faith, and hope in the face of adversity. Her journey reflects a commitment to overcoming challenges and building a brighter future for herself and her family.​

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Raised in a single-parent household, Anna witnessed her mother’s extraordinary resilience. As the sole breadwinner, her mother worked tirelessly as a cook, house help, and laundress to provide for Anna and her siblings, ensuring they had food, clothing, and an education. Despite the hardships, her mother’s unwavering determination became Anna’s greatest inspiration.​

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With her father unable to work due to ongoing mental health challenges, the responsibility of supporting the family fell squarely on her mother’s shoulders. In recent years, Anna’s two older brothers have also stepped in to contribute.​

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Anna’s journey at the Starfish Skill Center began at a crucial point in her life. Unable to pursue formal education, she turned to skills training as a means to create opportunities for herself and her family. Over three years, Anna transformed from a novice to a confident tailor, capable of designing and sewing complete outfits independently.  "The Starfish Skill Center has given me more than just a trade," Anna shares. "It has given me the confidence to believe in myself, the tools to support my family, and the hope to dream bigger than I ever thought possible."​

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The training she received not only equipped her with technical expertise but also instilled a sense of self-belief. With her newfound skills, Anna started a small tailoring business, taking on contracts that enable her to contribute financially to her family and ease the burden on her mother.  As she approaches graduation, Anna’s dream is clear: to establish her own tailoring workshop and create a hub for empowering other young women. Her vision includes training and employing aspiring designers, offering them the same opportunities that transformed her life.​

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Anna credits much of her success to the unwavering support of her teachers at the Starfish Skill Center and the Mona Foundation. Their belief in her potential and their generosity have made it possible for her to pursue her dreams.