The Sewing Out Poverty training centre previously located in the district of Borikila, was moved to a more suitable site in Tuol Sangk district during 2004. This commune is located just north of Phnom Penh, 15 minutes from the BoriKila community. The centre houses a large room, comfortably accommodating the needs of our students and teachers.
Selecting the Students
To recruit students for this course an information flyer was distributed to
community members in surrounding districts. Local authority members and leaders
were also engaged to promote the course within their communities.
CVCD interviewed candidates and selected those who met the following criteria:
- Lived in close proximity to the training center
- Hold an established savings account in the community
- Have been through some sort of crisis (former prostitute, single mother, orphan)
- Possess basic Khmer literacy and mathematical skills
- Are from a large family (between 5-10 immediate members) whose daily income is below 5000Riel ($1.25USD)
- Displayed willingness and motivation to complete the course and improve their current living and financial situation
Studying in the course
The course is structured to assist each student learn
in the most suitable and conducive environment. Students
study at the training centre five days a week attending
a morning or afternoon four hour workshop. The duration
of the course is ten months with students required to
meet course criteria and assessments throughout.
Results to date
Over the ten month course, trainees learn to make thirty
six different models of clothes including blouses, pants,
skirts and jackets. All students master the skill of stitching,
measuring, cutting patterns, and darning.
In 2003, fifteen women passed the course and gained employment
in a local garment factory. Twenty women received a loan
to start a small business in their community. In 2004,
fifteen women gained employment in a garment factory and
twenty-four received a small loan.
Environmental and Health Training
Three workshops were held in 2004:
Introduction to the environment.
Sanitation, Hygiene and HIV/AIDS.
Waste Management.
In addition to the environmental workshops held during the course, students also
learnt how to make cloth bags to use for shopping instead of plastic bags that
are harmful to the environment.
Small Loan Scheme
This scheme was introduced to assist graduating students to establish their own
small tailoring business. To be eligible for a loan students must successfully
complete all disciplines of the course and hold a satisfactory attendance level.
The loan (valued at $100) consists of a sewing machine and materials
(cloths, needles, cottons, and fibers). A course in business and marketing
is also offered to students whilst studying at the centre.
In 2003, there were 20 graduates who received loans from CVCD. At the end of
September 2004 all 20 graduates had successfully repaid their loan. In October
2004, 24 graduates received a small loan. These loans are due to be repaid by
September 2005.
During 2004, CVCD opened a sewing co-operative in the district of Rusey Keo.
Un Sorphon
Age: 24
Occupation: Student
Family: Single. She lives with her parents.
Why did you decide to participate in this project?
"Because learning and knowing how to sew is very important and once I graduate from this course, I will be able to make a living for myself and for my family"
Have there been any changes to your life as a result of your participation in the project? How has it affected your family?
"Yes, there have been some changes. Before I started this project, I did not know a lot about sewing but now I know a little bit more. My family sees the progress I am making and is very happy for me".
How have your plans for the future been affected by your participation in the project?
"My plans for the future have been affected because the teachers here are good at teaching, and when I graduate, I will be a good sewer".
What is the importance of the project to your community?
"It is very important because I can receive good sewing training therefore helping out my community".
Has your participation in the project changed your role in the community? How?
"Yes, my role has somewhat changed. Before this course, I did not know the differences between the styles, the different models, stitch, cut, etc. but now, I know more. My role in the community is now an educated woman in the sewing area".
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