KP Sharma

Samtse—In a bid to enhance the livelihoods of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their caregivers, a three-month tailoring programme is currently underway in Samtse.

The training programme is organised by the Ability Bhutan Society (ABS) in collaboration with RENEW, with support from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association.

The programme, which currently involves 11 participants—nine caregivers and two PWDs—focuses on imparting basic tailoring skills with an emphasis on Bhutanese attire.

According to the dzongkhag coordinator for ABS, Junu Gurung, the training prioritises women, individuals with severe disabilities who are unable to participate directly, and their parents and caregivers.  “Our goal is to assist those who face economic hardships and provide them with skills that can support their livelihoods,” she said.

This initiative is not the first of its kind for ABS. Similar programmes on skill development for marginalised groups were previously conducted in Zhemgang and Tsirang.  “Through these trainings, we provide skills to  our beneficiaries and help them become independent,” she said.

The training sessions are hosted by RENEW at their facility in Samtse, with Tshering Dema—who has specialised training from India—serving as the lead instructor.

The centre manager for RENEW Community Service in Samtse, Tashi Wangdi, said that the programme also aims to challenge the societal perceptions about the capabilities of PWDs in the society.

“There is a prevailing notion that PWDs cannot lead independent lives. This programme seeks to dispel that myth by demonstrating their capabilities when given the right opportunities,” he said.

The program also aims to alleviate the financial challenges faced by caregivers by providing them with a source of income. “When caregivers are equipped with skills that enable them to earn, it reduces their financial burden and allows them to offer better support to PWDs,” Tashi Wangdi said.

For participants like 21-year-old Sonam Tamang from Tading, the training offers hope and practical benefits. As a caregiver for his paralysed father, he values the ability to work from home, a significant advantage compared to his previous agricultural work that required long-distance travel.

“Tailoring is something I can do from home with minimal setup, which is perfect given my situation,” he said.

Similarly, 24-year-old caregiver Anjana Bhujel, who looks after her grandfather is visually impaired, heard about the training through a contact in Chukha and registered through her local chiwog tshogpa.

“I used to remain idle when my grandfather was resting, but now that I have learned tailoring, I think I can do something productive while taking care of him,” she said.

She hopes to start a small tailoring business once she returns to her village.