The theme of the combined graduation ceremony of the trainees of Basic Sewing 1 and Basic Sewing 2 speaks of the experience of these women who have undergone training with Minerva Hernandez, SSJ as the head trainer and her collaborators, Skills Training Staff Lavinia Jingasabae as lay co- trainer and Helen Kigodi, volunteer trainer for Basic Stitches.
The start of
training was on February 15, 2016 which ran daily for three months from Monday
to Friday, with the closing ceremony on May 26, 2016. Basic Sewing 1 trainees
had the morning time slot and in the afternoon were the Basic Sewing 2
trainees.
There were ten (10)
trainees in Basic Sewing 1 who completed the training which included sewing of
73 Basic Stitches compiled in an album and other required projects such as
apron, blouse, skirt with pockets and a simple dress.
In order to put
into use the basic stitches, each trainee was asked to make a wall decoration
with a cultural design showing the richness of the province they are from. This
was how they began to appreciate and enjoy the basic stitches, the work of
their hands. One trainee was able to sell her wall decoration of the National
Capital District emblem for K350.00 to her surprise. Others were bought during
the Exhibit Day at the center last March 19.
In this basic
course of sewing, the trainees taught how to use the hand machine after knowing
the different machine parts and the function of each part. As they were using
their hand machine, Minerva also gave them tips to troubleshoot since most of
them will be back to their village with no technician and no power supply.
Through patience
and determination, the trainees slowly learned the art and techniques of basic
sewing with pattern making. It was a struggle for most of them because they
were not really keen on the measurements and how to lay out there body
measurement on the pattern paper. Eventually, seeing their creation made them
feel more interested to go on even at times it was hard.
For Basic Sewing 2,
which is equivalent to Advance Sewing Course, six (6) trainees persevered and
marched on the day of their graduation. They had for their projects: pillow
cases, bed sheet, bed cover, culottes skirt, blouse with continuous sleeves,
simple evening dress, men’s shirt for their father or husband, circular, 6-gore
or 8-gore skirts and princess dress. The skills and the techniques they learn
from every project will lead them to the completion of the next one. This
approach has been very challenging to the trainees as well as to the trainees
in maintaining the quality of their completed project.
The joy of the
group was that when they come back to the training centre each morning, they
would share how their Mom or Dad or husband and other members of the family
became amazed with what the trainee is doing that they want to have something
sewn by them.
This time, the
trainees are taught to use the electric machine in view of their own use or
being employed in any shop or company.
Many things
transpired in the training. It was only a matter of learning the skill and
techniques in sewing but growth in their values and faith was also noted and
expressed by the trainees themselves.
They are grateful
because they fulfilled their dreams. They experienced the presence of God while
learning new designs and doing their projects. They learned and valued the
culture of sharing as they gave their time assisted each other, especially
those who were a bit slow in catching up the process of completing a project.
They showed their capacity for team work, which was highlighted during the
exhibit, exposure day to the different shops/department stores and the closing
activity/graduation. They became at home in showing their love and concern for
each other. They also accepted the challenges to be empowered women.
These positive
changes in our trainees were noticed by their family members and relatives. and
were supported by them in their desire to learn and gain the skill in sewing.
The training became a family endeavor.
The graduation was
graced by the presence of Archbishop Sir John Ribat, Fr. Dong, PIME (ASAC
Director), Fr. Sonny, SDB (Mary Help of Christians Parish Priest who sent two
women for this course), Yolanda, SSJ and the trainees’ families and relatives
as a show of their strong support and encouragement.
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| Basic Sewing 1 Graduates with Archbishop Ribat, Fr. Dong, PIME and Sr. Minerva, SSJ |
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| Basic Sewing 2 Graduates with Archbishop Ribat, Fr. Dong, PIME and Sr. Minerva, SSJ |
In this
celebration, each graduate was given time to personally share the highlight of
her experience during the course of training. Some expressed their joy in
learning new things, not only in sewing but also in time management, house
cleaning and budgeting. Most of all, coming from different Churches or
denominations, they expressed their growth in their faith life and learning how
to put into practice human and Christian values.
As they received
their Certificate of Completion from the Archbishop, assisted by Fr. Dong and
Yolanda, each one came with that sense of pride and gratitude to have reached
this far.
In his speech, the
Archbishop affirmed the contribution of the ASAC Skills Training Centre to the
lives of men and women who pass through this way of learning the skill of
sewing and all about life and faith that goes with it.
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