Skills Push

A non-governmental organisation is providing an exciting opportunity for women to learn a valuable, income-generating skill.

Thanks to the kind sponsorship of the Caribbean Development Bank, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Barbados, as part of its Community Outreach Programming, will train 12 women in Dress Designing free of charge.

After several setbacks due to the pandemic, the 12-week beginners’ class is finally under way at the Y’s Deacons Road Annex on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

President of the YWCA, Margaret Pollard told The Barbados Advocate that she was determined to get the classes started having recognised that such an initiative is needed now, more than ever, given the slew of layoffs this past year.

“We started this class in 2020 but then the coronavirus came…However, I didn’t plan to give up because I think that it is a very good project. So, this dress design class is for 12 unemployed women, but due to the social distancing we are taking six on Tuesdays and six on Thursdays,” she indicated.

“There are women in our communities who are not working, and they want to be able to do something to help their families. And if you can learn to do something for yourself, learn to make a little something, you can bring income in – be self-sufficient.”

Pollard said that the women, aged 29 to 55 years, will have the opportunity to continue onto the intermediate class also funded by CDB.

Participant Rictoria Forde shared with The Barbados Advocate that she has always had a passion for fashion, and since being off the job due to the pandemic, taking up this opportunity was a no-brainer.

“A friend informed me about this class being conducted by the YWCA. And due to the circumstances of COVID-19, being home from the job of being a Chef,  I took the opportunity to enroll in this course to do something I have always wanted to do,” she expressed.

“And being a plus size lady in this society, finding avenues to purchase clothing has been quite difficult. So, I took this chance to inspire myself to gain this new skill, so I am able to design for myself but cater to the ladies of the plus-size community as well.”

Instructor Nikhola Yearwood revealed that participants will be taught how to draw a basic skirt and bodice pattern; basic sewing machine use; transfer drawing lines onto fabric; sew darts; insert a lapped and centered zip; attach a waistband; insert a buttonhole; and attach binding and sleeves.

“At the end of this class, each and every one of the participants should be able to make at least one garment – a blouse, skirt, or dress, which will go towards the final grade, along with attendance of 60% of class time,” she said. (TL)