Women train in sewing

Education, Normal
Source:

The National, Monday February 24th, 2014

 By JOSEPH ANUT

CATHY Waluka and Linet Hate are two women from West New Britain  in Port Moresby on a special mission.

Their mission is to learn as much as possible about garments and textiles in 16 weeks and return to their province to teach other women about the trade and improve their livelihood.

According to the West New Britain advisor for commerce, Fred Waluka, the training was in line with the WNB government’s policies to enhance women with the necessary skills and training and provide them with income earning opportunities to improve their lifestyle and sustain their livelihood.

He said the two women were selected on their own merits after meeting the criteria of possessing training skills and being local West New Britain women.

The duo is undergoing training at the PNG Garment and Textile Training Institute.

WNB deputy administrator (field services), Leo Brown praised the division of commerce for its initiative to empower women in the province with skills in sewing.

West New Britain has its Garment and Textile Training Centre, funded by the provincial government.

However, the first batch of people to be trained in 2011 never completed their training and was not certified.

The two women signed a memorandum of agreement with the division of commerce and the provincial administration to return to WNB after completion of their training and train other women at the centre for up to two years.

Those trained at the centre would be expected to complete certificates 1 and 2 in order to be recognised in the garment and textile trade.