Sewing and Tailoring
In November of 2010, a team of dedicated individuals from Ursuline College educated a group of students and teachers in the practical art of sewing. From their visit, the Sewing and Tailoring Class was born at Nanthomba Full Primary School. Using electric and manual sewing machines donated by our guests, students gather on a weekly basis to learn how to alter and mend clothing, as well as construct satchels and purses out of the popular East African tchitenje fabric.
The average Malawian income is the approximate equivalent of $900 a year* (2010). New clothes are therefore considered a luxury, making the students’ altering and mending skills a valuable resource in the community. Students will be able to help many people add extra years to their clothing while earning funds for the school. Empowering the community to maintain and create their own clothing is a more sustainable alternative than importing donated clothes from around the world.
The sewing and tailoring class has been very productive in the short period it has been in operation, providing an excellent service to the community and marketable trinkets for tourists. The program has already produced 150 small cloth pouches, produced several larger bags and provided mending services for many students and community members.
* CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mi.html
