BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
A successful two-week training on pattern drafting and sewing reached completion on October 20 in Lepi Village, Isabel Province.
Catering to the first cohort of 12 women and 3 men, the training was facilitated by Joe Lovi, a private entrepreneur and sewing trainer.
The training was made possible through funding support from the Canadian Government under the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and assistance was provided to the Japuana Youth Advocacy Association (JYAA), a community-based and youth-led organisation in Isabel Province.
The project aims to empower rural women and girls economically by providing them with sewing machines and tools, pattern drafting and sewing sessions, and establishing a community sewing club.
One of the female participants expressed her gratitude for the training.
“We often lack such opportunities, and I want to thank the Canadian Government and JYAA for bringing this training to our community. I’ve been sewing for over 10 years, but this training helped me gain new skills in measurement and pattern cutting that I didn’t know before,” she said.
Another participant also shared her excitement saying she can’t express how happy she is.
“I can’t express how happy I am. Using electric sewing machines is a new experience for me – it’s interesting and much easier than using manual machines,” she said.
Under the project, JYAA received 9 electric sewing machines, 2 manual machines, sewing tools, and all necessary sewing consumables.
Mr Lovi highlighted that this was the first group he had trained that was fully equipped with all sewing materials and tools.
Jamal Namo, JYAA Project focal person, encouraged participants to take good care of the machines and make the best use of them to improve their livelihoods.
“You can grow and become economically empowered if you think differently,” he said.
The second cohort for this training is scheduled to begin on November 10, with another 15 participants expected to take part.
Photos: Supplied
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