Twenty-one women from the southern part of Saint Lucia completed a five-day Basic Sewing Workshop sponsored by the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM). The workshop ran from Monday, April 7 to Friday, April 11, 2025, and was held at the Papèl Craft Centre at Rudy John Beach Park in Laborie.
A collaboration involving the Taiwan Technical Mission, Ministry of Commerce, Anse Kawet Crafters, and the Laborie/Augier Constituency Council, the workshop was an integral component of the Community Business Revitalization Project (CBRP), which was officially initiated in August 2023. The Basic Sewing Workshop aimed to foster a sense of community among participants, providing a space for individuals to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships. It is anticipated that this community and Anze Kawet Crafters support will assist in maintaining motivation and promote ongoing education following the conclusion of the course.
During the the workshop, the participants — most of whom are unemployed — acquired the necessary skills to begin sewing professionally, either through employment or entrepreneurship. Training consisted of practical work from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, with a lunch hour from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.
Participants received 23 hours of training in the areas of Basic Hand Sewing, Taking Measurements, Cutting Fabric, Adding Zippers, and How To Use A Sewing Machine. They created small projects, including tote bags, pouches, and designs using different fabrics such as Calico, Madras, Lining, and Poplin using the techniques learned.
On the afternoon of Friday, April 11, 2025, a closing ceremony took place at the Papèl Craft Centre, where participants were commended for the exceptional quality of the items created during the workshop. They were also awarded certificates of completion.
During the closing ceremony, attendees also gained insights from two significant presentations delivered by officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs – Southern Division. In the first presentation, Ms. Milliena Paul, Business Development Officer and Officer in Charge of the Southern Division, spoke on “The Importance of Financial Statements”, while Ms. Renna Henry, Clerk, addressed “Registration of Businesses using the Online platform via digiGov”.
Mr. Louis Tsou, Project Manager for the Community Business Revitalization Project (CBRP) at the Taiwan Technical Mission, stated that the workshop augurs well not only for skills development among participants, but also essential networking opportunities.
“The five-day Basic Sewing Workshop represents a significant step towards empowerment in the southern community,” said Mr. Tsou. “Participants developed essential sewing skills, creating items such as tote bags and pouches, and built a supportive network by sharing experiences. Additionally, facilitators from Anse Kawet Crafters shared their techniques and personal learning journeys. This exchange fostered a truly beneficial outcome for everyone involved.”
Mѕ. Milliena Paul, Business Development Officer attached to the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), underscored the significance of bookkeeping for small business proprietors. She indicated the critical need to document every transaction to monitor revenue, expenditures, and all financial activities in order to maintain organizational structure, stating that, “Bookkeeping entails recording and categorizing all financial transactions in your enterprise. It is the process of monitoring both the expenditures and revenues of your business.”
Ms. Paul noted that accurate bookkeeping enables the generation of financial statements, including profit and loss statements, which are essential for assessing the performance of the business. Additionally, she highlighted how these reports are vital for fostering informed decision-making and strategizing for future growth of the business.
Ms. Betty Cox, one of the workshop participants, described the sewing workshop as a whirlwind of activity and learning. She said she was impressed by the teachers’ energy, enthusiasm, patience and gentle guidance, as they patiently explained the intricacies of threading needles, knotting thread, and maneuvering the sewing machine.
“It was a far cry from the haphazard, self-taught lessons I had received from my son’s grandmother,” said Ms. Cox, a resident of Augier. “Each lesson was a journey of discovery, starting with simple tasks like stitching straight lines and gradually progressing to more complex techniques like buttonholes and zippers. The instructors, with their years of experience, were a wealth of knowledge, sharing their wisdom and tricks of the trade. They emphasized precision, attention to detail, and the importance of taking one’s time. I learned that sewing was not just about stitching fabric together; it was about creating something beautiful and enduring.”
Beyond the technical aspects, Ms. Cox added that the sewing workshop became a space of connection and shared passion. She stated that the participants originated from various age groups and backgrounds, each contributing their distinct experiences and perspectives.
“We shared stories, laughter, and tips, creating a supportive and encouraging environment,” she explained. “It was a reminder that the joy of sewing lies not just in the finished product, but in the journey of creation and the bonds formed along the way. The course reignited my love for sewing, and I’m now eager to explore new projects, confident in my newfound skills.”
[SOURCE: Taiwan Technical Mission]