The Project Justine – Train the Trainer strengthens the textile sector in West Africa through training, production, and local value creation. At our education and vocational center in Benin, we provide qualified training for trainers and tailors. In Ghana, we operate as a textile manufacturer and train weavers; in Senegal, we run our own production facility staffed by tailors trained locally.
Through this close integration of training and practical experience, we create long-term jobs and promote a sustainable textile sector with clothing and fabrics MADE IN AFRICA—for decent work, cultural diversity, and self-determined design.
THE PROJECT JUSTINE – train the trainer stands for the in-depth training of trainers in the tailoring trade for the creation of long-term jobs. Starting with our own education and vocational center in Benin, we are increasingly working with other countries in West Africa. The reconstruction of an independent and sustainable textile sector with clothing, fabrics and yarns MADE IN AFRICA will play an important role for the region in the coming years. To get people into good work and let African design shine again in all its originality, craftsmanship and cultural richness.
Our subject areas
EDUCATION & WORK
Our work follows a holistic training approach. In addition to technical qualifications, we foster personal development, self-confidence, and personal responsibility. Through individualized support, we create the conditions that enable our trainees to realistically assess their abilities, take on responsibility, and succeed in their professional lives over the long term.
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
In addition to vocational training, we provide targeted literacy support, strengthen basic reading and writing skills, and offer childcare to break down real barriers to access. This creates spaces where women can gain confidence in their own abilities, take on responsibility, and shape their own paths for the long term.
FAIR FASHION & VALUE CHAIN
Furthermore, we support West Africa’s efforts to move beyond simply growing and exporting cotton and instead re-establish the entire textile value chain—from the plant to the finished textile. We are convinced that 100% MADE IN WESTERN AFRICA is possible.
DESIGN IDENTITY
Our work combines design, craftsmanship, and research. Together with the university and Winneba Weavers, we are exploring traditional weaving techniques, adapting them to contemporary contexts, and integrating craftsmanship with digital design methods. The goal is to preserve and further develop knowledge while creating new forms of expression.
Through openness, respect, and collective learning, a distinct, sustainable design identity emerges from the dialogue between tradition and modernity, deeply rooted in West African craft culture.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE
The fashion brand NOH NEE embodies this approach. Its “Colormix” principle describes the open and respectful dialogue between diverse cultural influences. We view exchange as a long-term connection and a shared responsibility.
Through projects in Benin, Ghana, and Senegal, we promote pan-African dialogue. The exchange between designers, craftspeople, and trainees creates spaces for shared learning and the independent positioning of African design.
News & Storys
Tradition meets modernity
We didn't have to convince Felix Schürmann, professor of architecture at Biberach University of Applied Sciences, and his students. They were on board immediately. THE PROJECT JUSTINE - train the trainer not only offers the chance to really get to know the country and...
Why Benin?
The fact that we chose Benin is a coincidence. We sometimes hear ourselves say this. But it was no coincidence. The choice stands and falls with Justine Tchilalou Payarou, our first student, whom Marie and I trained as a seamstress in our Munich studio.WE HAVE LEARNT...
Our commitment in West Africa
Benin
Focus: Establishing and maintaining a dedicated training and career center for trainers in the tailoring trade.
Organizer: The Project Justine (TPJ) – Thanks to our sponsors and supporters
SENEGAL
Focus: Training tailors and establishing a production facility.
Project partners: The Project Justine (TPJ), German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ)
Ghana
Focus: Training weavers, establishing a production facility, and developing fabrics, patterns, and prints.
Project partners: The Projekt Justine (TPJ), University of Education, Winneba
Location
Benin
Focus: Establishment and maintenance of our own training and vocational center for trainers in the tailoring trade in Bersingou.
Sponsor: THE PROJECT JUSTINE – train the trainer e.V. thanks to sponsors and supporters
Projects
SENEGAL
Focus: Training of trainers in the tailoring trade. In addition, construction of a production facility for textiles.
Project partners: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Karima Mbacké & Team, Diourbel
Ghana
Focus: Training of trainers in the weaving trade. In addition, development of fabrics, patterns and prints.
Project partners: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and University of Education, Winneba
The Project Justine – Train the Trainer e.V.
The Project Justine – Train the Trainer e.V. empowers young people in Ghana, Benin, and Senegal through vocational training, digital skills, and fair employment opportunities. Our approach is based on training local trainers who pass on their knowledge, thereby building sustainable structures in the textile industry.
In addition to weaving, tailoring, and digital design, we promote literacy, childcare, a small canteen, and safe transportation routes—so that young women and mothers in particular can easily access training and work. We set up workshops, develop curricula, equip teams with machines, and support graduates on their path to a self-determined professional life.
A central cultural reference point for our work is the fashion brand NOH NEE. It symbolizes what we mean by contemporary exchange: Colormix as an open, honest, and creative dialogue between cultures. For us, this exchange is not an end in itself, but the starting point for connection, responsibility, and long-term collaboration. Our projects in Benin, Ghana, and Senegal also consciously promote Pan-African exchange—as an equally important foundation for cultural self-identity and economic strength.
We are grateful for the journey we have taken and look forward to the steps that lie ahead. Africa is on the move. We are moving with it.
Milestones
Team & Supporters
CONCENTRATION ON SEVEN GOALS (SGDs) OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Our partners
THE PROJECT JUSTINE
- train the trainer e.V.
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THE PROJECT JUSTINE - train the trainer e.V.
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