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Fifteen refugee women marked the end of a 16-week sewing course by wearing handmade dresses, accepting certificates and taking home new sewing machines.

Forozan Mirwais created and led the class after drawing on her own experience of moving to the United States from Afghanistan. She said she initially felt lonely and uncertain before deciding to help other members of the refugee community.

Mirwais learned to sew in Afghanistan when she was 14. She designed the course to give women practical skills they could use to earn money from home through alterations and garment-making.

By graduation, the participants had learned to produce purses, scarves, aprons, dresses, pants, tote bags and clothing for women and children. Mirwais said the weekly sessions also offered friendship and companionship during the often stressful transition of settling in a new country.

The ceremony was held at Fairlington United Methodist Church. Lead pastor Dr. Janine Howard welcomed the graduates as the community’s “new neighbors,” prompting smiles and nods after her remarks were translated.

As friends and classmates applauded, each woman walked to the front of the room. Melanie Gray, outreach director at Christ Church in Alexandria, presented the graduates with certificates. After a line of congratulatory handshakes, each participant received a new sewing machine.

The celebration concluded with a shared meal in Fellowship Hall. The graduates prepared a buffet that included rice, samosas, spicy chicken and dumplings for their classmates and new friends.