Belize Red Cross volunteers learn to sew in skills training project

Volunteers of the Belize Red Cross (BRC) are learning how to sew: a skill that will allow them to not only become self-sufficient, but may lead to employment.

Volunteers Detachment No. 6, comprised 19 members, submitted a Skills Training Project request to the Basic Needs Trust Fund on October 10, 2005, which was later approved on September 12, 2006. 

The main objective of the project is to provide organizational support, supplies, equipment and a specialist to train volunteers in souvenir production, sewing, embroidery and Business Management.

The overall goal is to ensure volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to prepare high quality souvenirs for the local market and the tourist industry, at the same time developing their own income earning skills.

The sewing/embroidery, and arts and crafts training began April 14 and will end December 15. Both trainings are held on Saturdays. Sewing/embroidery is given from 8:00 a.m to 12:00 noon, while the arts and crafts session is given from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Mrs. Olivia Pou, an experienced person in the field, is the instructor for both sessions.

Participants, who are between the ages of 20 to 74 years, are pleased at how the training is going. They have learned:

• parts of a sewing machine
• Threading
• measuring with measuring tape
• making patterns using newsprint
• Cutting
• sewing different types of clothes including baby quilts, baby dresses, diaper bags, skirts, table runners, pillow cases, and pillows, children clothes, place mats
• wall hangers
• hand embroidery

Among the participants are four single mothers who have indicated that after completing the training, the first thing they will do is buy their own machines and start taking sewing orders. They are now confident  they can now sew their own children’s uniforms, thus saving money.

There are six children ages five to eight years who accompany their mothers to this training as there is no one else to supervise them at home.

They are kept busy drawing and painting by a facilitator, thus allowing their mothers to participate fully in the sessions.