Damera Village participants
The training forms part of a longer‑term capacity‑building process that began in 2024, when Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) worked with Kiunga Vocational Center (KVC) to train community Trainers of Trainers (TOTs). These community TOTs were equipped with sewing and facilitation skills by KVC instructors, enabling them to deliver practical, hands‑on training directly within their own villages.
Building on this foundation, the November 2025 sewing trainings were arranged by OTDF and delivered by the trained community TOTs, in collaboration with the Manawete Women and Children’s Association. Conducted between 4–14 November 2025, the program aimed to strengthen Women Social Issues Concern Group (WSICG) members, support sustainable livelihood activities, and encourage the local production of school uniforms and other essential garments.
Participation across all three villages was strong, demonstrating growing interest in skills‑based economic opportunities. In Damera Village, 27 women completed the full training program, while more than 50 additional women attended as observers. In Kenedibi Village, 24 women—comprising 15 adults and 9 youth—completed the program, with over 50 women observing the sessions. Similarly, in Urio Village, 24 women actively participated in the training, supported by both adult and youth trainees, alongside more than 50 consistent observers.
Urio village training highlight
Although the trainings were originally planned as week‑long activities, all three communities completed the program within an accelerated three‑day period. This reflected the strong commitment, cooperation, and motivation of participants, as well as the effectiveness of the community‑led training approach. Throughout the sessions, trainees gained practical experience in fabric cutting, machine sewing, and garment finishing, and successfully produced WSICG uniform blouses as part of their hands‑on learning.
As participants’ skills improved, early signs of economic activity began to emerge, with women exploring opportunities for home‑based sewing services, uniform production, and small‑scale microbusiness initiatives. These developments highlight the potential for sewing skills to contribute to household income and longer‑term community resilience.
Despite the positive outcomes, several challenges were identified across all three villages, including limited access to sewing machines and materials, varying skill levels among participants, and the need for more time to practise and reinforce newly acquired skills. These lessons underscore the importance of sustained support, adequate resources, and continued mentorship to ensure skills are retained and translated into sustainable livelihoods.
In response, the Manawete Women and Children’s Association recommends increasing access to sewing machines, expanding training to include a wider range of garment types, and providing structured follow‑up support focused on small business development. Strengthening collaboration among WSICG groups in neighbouring communities is also seen as a key strategy for sustaining momentum and shared learning.
Through this community‑driven and skills‑focused approach, the Manawete Women and Children’s Association reaffirms its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and strengthening economic resilience across Western Province by scaling up locally led initiatives that respond directly to community needs.
