YSA Highlights

From Service to Self-Reliance: Cath-Irene’s Journey in Calabar

Cath-Irene Chukwuemeka is from the Etta Agbor Stake in Calabar, Nigeria, who is turning her passion for beauty into a life of service, confidence, and self-reliance.

A people person at heart, Cath-Irene discovered her talent while attending the Gathering Place makeup class. “I know that self-reliance is not just about being independent,” she explained. “It’s about becoming who God needs me to be.” The experience gave her not only new skills but also a profound sense of inner peace and confidence.

Her path of growth included a full-time mission to Ibadan, Nigeria, from 2023 to 2024. After returning home, she enrolled in a nail training class taught by one of Calabar’s popular technicians, Charlie. There, her creativity blossomed, and she began to envision a business built on her skills.

“Through the gospel, I’ve come to understand that Heavenly Father wants His children to thrive, not just survive,” she said. “He has given us talents, knowledge, and the power to act so that we can provide for ourselves, bless others, and build His kingdom.”

Today, Cath-Irene is living that vision. She rents a premium space inside Denitz Beauty Studio, where she combines artistry with professionalism. Her clients leave not only with polished nails but also with a sense of self-care and positivity. “I love what I do every day,” she said with a smile. “It is a perfect match between business and art.”

For Cath-Irene, beauty is more than appearance—it’s an expression of faith, ambition, and the power of self-reliance.

Created to Create: Meet Collins Hubert and his brothers

Meet Collins Hubert of the Big Qua Town Ward, Calabar Nigeria Stake, who entered the waters of baptism in early 2025 and quickly embraced service as his ward hymn organizer. A natural lover of music, Collins is now learning to play the piano—a skill that complements his many other creative talents.

As a boy, Collins was fascinated by turning ideas into reality. Inspired by his older brothers, who built models of airplanes and buildings, he began sketching designs and transforming them into working creations. His most recent project—a functional electric handheld fan—demonstrates both his ingenuity and determination.

Collins first heard about the Church from friends at work. Their conversations about the Savior sparked his curiosity, leading him to the Gathering Place. At first, he was hesitant, but after watching general conference, his heart was touched, and he wanted to learn more. Soon, he became a regular at the Gathering Place, attending classes in barbering, business, and keyboarding. His interest in the gospel grew until he chose to be baptized. Not long after, his brother Vahe followed his example, and together they now hope more of their family will embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“I was born to create, and I know I am created in the image of my Heavenly Father and His Son, the greatest Creator of all,” Collins testifies.

Looking forward, Collins aspires to showcase his artwork and secure corporate sponsors who appreciate his distinctive blend of artistry, engineering, and design. His parents instilled in him a love of learning, but his passion for working with his hands has given him a unique style—where knowledge meets creativity. His peers eagerly anticipate what he will build next, knowing that with his faith and determination, his creations will continue to inspire.

Sewing Skills Bring Hope and Self-Reliance in Assin Foso

Meet Sister Gifty Soku, a graduate of the sewing class in the Assin Foso Ghana South Stake Gathering Place. She has turned her training into a new source of hope and income for her family.

After years of staying at home without steady work, she found an answer to her prayers when the Gathering Place opened in her stake. “I have been in the house for some years now without a job, so when they started Gathering Place, I decided to join the sewing class,” Gifty shared. “After I graduated, I told my friends that I could sew clothes, so they should bring their clothes to me. I thanked God for trusting me—I can now sew a female dress.”

What began as a skill-building opportunity has become a lifeline. Gifty is now sewing for members of her community, earning an income while supporting herself and her siblings. She sees this opportunity not just as training but as an answer to heartfelt prayers.

“I want to be self-reliant, and I have been praying to God to help me get something to do,” she explained. “I know my prayers have been answered through the Gathering Place skill training. I know Heavenly Father loves me and hears my prayers because whenever I pray to Him and believe in Jesus Christ, He answers my prayers.”

For Gifty, the Gathering Place is more than a classroom—it is proof that together, faith and hard work will bring life-changing opportunities.

Becoming a Confident Leader and an Aspiring Entrepreneur

Meet Margaret Sarpong from the Bantama Stake in Kumasi, Ghana, the first in her family to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith later inspired her younger sister, Cherasah, and her cousin, Gabriel, to also embrace the gospel.

Looking back on her journey, Margaret reflects, “I am grateful my neighbor invited me to church 10 years ago. I am 22 years old now, and I can see how it has impacted my life both spiritually and temporally. When I look back, I remember myself as a shy girl lacking self-confidence. The Church has taught me that I have a Heavenly Father, who loves me. He has a plan for me, and as I exercise faith in Jesus Christ, I can become like Him.”

Through service in the Church, Margaret gained confidence to speak publicly, minister to others, and share her beliefs. That confidence grew even stronger when she discovered the fashion class at the Gathering Place. With determination, she balanced her academic studies with her new interest in sewing. “I again felt the Lord’s strength to complete my academic commitments while learning this new skill,” she said.

Today, Margaret can sew her own clothes and create clothing for others. The ability to earn income has given her a sense of self-reliance as she prepares for the future. She is currently completing her final year of coursework to become a secondary school mathematics teacher and already envisions combining her teaching career with her sewing business. With a bright smile, she shares, “I like the sound of Margaret’s Fashion House.”

Margaret’s journey shows how faith, education, and determination work hand in hand. From a shy girl with little confidence to a future teacher and entrepreneur, she is proving that with God’s help, challenges can become steppingstones. Her dream of “Margaret’s Fashion House” is more than a business idea—it is a symbol of how the gospel empowers young people to rise, build, and bless others.