Yangyel Lhaden

Eight individuals who completed a two-month training in tailoring are hopeful they would secure the Loden-UNDP grant for business.

They were among the 75 participants who completed training on weaving, tailoring, floriculture, and professional traditional and cultural performance arts (PTCPA) on November 7.

training

Training in picture

Loday Wangmo, a university graduate, said that the training gave her the confidence to apply for the grant. “My business proposal is on recycling waste to make artificial flowers and decorative pieces.”

Another applicant, Gyelwang Gyeltshen’s business proposal is to make face mask and import face mask with electric respirator. He had been idle since his guest house and snooker business closed after the pandemic.

“I am looking forward to a lucrative tailoring business,” Gyelwang Gyeltshen said.

To support the key population affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, RENEW with support from UNDP has been providing livelihood skills training to individuals from the vulnerable groups.

The Resident Representative of UNDP Bhutan, Azusa Kubota said that she could already see the difference the training had made on individuals. “Last time I saw dancers but today I see artists.”

Azusa Kubota said that the skills training was a timely intervention and the trainees should continue to work hard and carve out an independent living out of it.

With entertainment sector out of business, the women working in Drayangs were trained in PTCPA by Royal Academy of Performing Arts instructors.

The drayang employees were also given yoga classes and sensitised on the Child Care and Protection Act and Domestic Violence Prevention Act.

They said that the training helped improve their dancing.

Pema Yangzom, a Drayang employee said that this training came out as a relief when they were out of work and restless. “I hope with this training in driglam namzha, and traditional dances the status of the drayangs could improve.”

Among the 75 trainees were 16 survivors of trafficking in person who completed the course on floriculture. One of them said that floriculture was a complex science, and her self-taught techniques were replaced with new ones. “I am looking forward to lessons on baking.”

Another 11 participants completed the two-month training in Assamese handloom weaving, natural dyeing, name of looms and accessories, and colour combination, among others.

A single mother and participant, Kencho Zangmo, said that she was looking forward to supporting her child and becoming independent.

RENEW director, Tshering Dolkar said that a basic financial skills training and other aspects of leadership, domestic violence, and sexual and reproductive health would begin from November 12.

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