To help individuals rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient, RENEW Community Service Centre and the Ability Bhutan Society are organising basic tailoring course in Tsirang. This is the second time the two organisations have conducted the three-month-long course in the district.
The course, currently underway, has 30 participants. Some are clients of RENEW and the Ability Bhutan Society, while others work in various offices.
Among the trainees is 27-year-old Lham Choden from Tsirang Toed Gewog. Three years ago, she separated from her husband and has looked forward to such training.
Lham Choden said, “As a single parent, I have to think about my future and take care of my son. After completing this tailoring course, I plan to open a small tailoring shop to support my family. This is why I joined this three-month training programme.”
Since Lham comes from a distant place, RENEW Community Centre is providing her with free accommodation. This has allowed her to focus on the training and she is also able to weave after classes.
Similarly, the basic tailoring course is also a dream come true for a 16-year-old Special Educational Needs student at Damphu Middle Secondary School.
Dorji Rinchen said, “After completing the course, I plan to teach my friends at school how to tailor. I want to set up my own tailoring shop, hire two staff members, and manage the shop myself.”
On the completion of the course, participants will be equipped to sew Bhutanese garments such as Wonju, Tego, and Kira.
Sangay Wangmo, a trainee said, “I am working as a Non-Formal Education instructor, and I thought I could teach my learners tailoring after completing the course. It will also help me generate extra income to support my family.”
“I am learning tailoring because I think I can help my Dratshang by sewing things, especially during religious ceremonies. I am hopeful I will be able to do minor sewing work after the course,” said Karma Tenzin, another trainee.
Trainer Ani Sangay said, “Most trainees will be able to start tailoring businesses from their homes, while a few of them may be able to open independent shops.”
An official from RENEW Community Service Centre says depending on trainees’ progress, they plan to offer advanced tailoring courses in the future.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
