The art of making Dung and Jaling is nothing new for the people of Tsebar in Pema Gatshel. It has earned them their living for decades now. However, it was found that the quality and texture were not good. So, to produce better quality and also to update their skills a 10-day training was organised for 35 artisans.
“People at Tsebar have been making Dung and Jaling for years now. So with change in time, it is important to update the skills and improve the quality of their products,” said Kinzang, Trainer, Agency for Promotion of Indigenous Crafts, Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The trainers said it was not at all difficult to train the participants who have years of experience in their profession. But teaching them new designs and patterns was little challenging.
The participants said the training is going to help them improve their skills and also boost their business too.
“There are lots of differences in the way we work. So the training is really beneficial. We would be grateful if similar trainings could be conducted for about a month or so,” said Jigme Dorji, one of the participants.
Another participant, Karma Zangmo, said it had been a good opportunity. “We have been also able to learn about different tools that we didn’t use until today. So we are hoping to improve the quality of our products.”
The locals are happy that the new skills will be handed down to their children and there is no worry such knowledge and skills will decline or disappear in future.
“Most of the young people are taking interest in the art. Depending totally on agriculture is also difficult since most of the harvests are damaged by wild animals. So, I have been earning my living by making these products,” said Jigme Dorji.
The ten-day training was funded by the UNDP.
