Sewaid is a program which offers selected women in very poor countries the opportunity to not only learn to sew, but to also provide them with the machines, equipment and skills they need to start a small home business in dressmaking or alterations and repair.
The program is run by our founder Mr Tony Castley, and closely supported by his family business Sewgroup International. Additionally most programs are run in conjunction with Rotary International as Tony is very involved with Rotary and has found that the Rotary connection is vital to the success of the programs in Third World countries.
The Sewaid program is primarily a teaching program and we rely heavily on our wonderful volunteer teachers who donate their time and expertise as well as fund their own travel to each program. But we have so much fun, and the experiences are unforgettable; but most of all we have knowledge that we have helped women escape from shocking poverty, and given them the skills and equipment where they can make a better life for themselves and their family.
If you are a sewing or craft teacher or you believe you are capable of teaching these skills, you are welcome to sign up as one of our Volunteers. (See the Volunteer teachers tab).
If you would like to donate fabrics or other sewing suppliers please contact us. Unfortunately we do not accept second hand sewing machines unless they are very late models. We like to supply only new machines on our programs which make the teaching and service so much easier. However one exception, any old hand machines are reusable, for in countries where there is no power, we can still put these to good use.
In 23rd August - 3rd September 2010, Rotary conducted training for 16 women. Eleven sewing machines were given to 11 women who participated in the training on a soft loan in October 2010. Within one year these women have put into practise the training they received to help themselves and started paying their soft loans.
Firstly, we will report on the progress of the soft loan, then the progress of project by individual women who participated in the training.
Due October 2012
Below are the names of women who received training. Some have received a machine and/sewing kit. This is their progress on the project to date - 1 year
Nearly all (75%) the women who received the training are putting into practise the skills gained and are benefiting from the project. Also two trainers identified through the training have trained 56 women plus 4 women trained by another participant giving a total of 60 women.
Due to machine break down, Kay Kuni has not done much of her own but trained others to spread the skills gained.
Women are using the income generated to support their families in many ways to meet their needs.
Example 1. Judy Tangeria is a widow and this project has benefited her a lot. She receives orders from Tari in the Southern Highlands Province. Through the training she has become confident in sewing and generates good income.
Example 2. Erol Mark said; now she has money to meet her family needs and has is very happy it is benefiting her.
Women are empowered through the skills gained to make life comfortable for their own families and the community. Thanks to Rotary!
Regards,
Tony Castley
CHAIRMAN : SEWGROUP INTERNATIONAL
SYDNEY : HONG KONG : CHINA
MOBILE : 61 (0) 414 801 888
www.sewgroup.com; www.sewaid.com
tonyc@sewaid.com
© 2004-2012 Sewaid