We all know what sewing is, but let's stop to consider it for a moment. It is an ancient craft in which a person uses a needle and thread to join two or more pieces of fabric together, whether to make clothing, or to repair them, or to engage in other textile projects. It is a technique that requires precision, patience, and the ability to work with detail, and can be done by hand or with a sewing machine. Sewing is not only a practical skill, but also offers a space for creative self-expression. It allows people to create, whether that is clothing or other functional and artistic products.
One of the most popular educational courses offered by AFADLA (Women's Association for the Development of Lafon) is fashion design and production. In this program, girls learn to sew as part of their training. And when they learn to sew, they develop technical and creative skills. They learn the properties of a variety of materials such as thread, needles, fabric, ribbons, and pattern sheets to create clothing and other textile items. They learn how to operate and maintain sewing machines. This all might seem quite ordinary, but in Haiti it can be difficult for girls to gain access to these items.
This training allows them the opportunity to achieve financial independence, which helps improve their quality of life. In addition, learning to sew strengthens girls' confidence, increases their self-esteem, and allows them to take initiative in their lives. This training allows them to work together, build strong social networks, and contribute to the economic development of their communities. When girls learn to sew, they not only develop a practical skill, but they also get an opportunity to become independent, increase their confidence, and contribute to the development of their communities.
––Dorcas Lamour
Instructor of Fashion Design and Production
(translated by Michael Dylan Rogers)
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