Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar
Residents of Samdrupjongkhar thromde had been struggling for essential services like tailoring after the border gates closed in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.
This is because most of the tailoring shops in the thromde were run by workers from across the border.
Taking advantage of the situation, the Community Learning Centre (CLC) in Samdrupjongkhar established Samjong Midey Pelyon tailoring shop in the thromde last month. The shop had sold more than 1,000 masks within a week.
A tailor, Leki Wangmo, said that they planned to start the tailoring service in the town long ago, but could not since there were plenty of options for customers.
She said since most of the tailor shops are closed following Covid-19 cases in the country, they planned the business immediately given the demand.
“It would be challenging for us once those shops reopen because they are well established and expert in providing the services,” Leki Wangmo said.
Another tailor, Sangay Choden, said that the group would offer the services at cheap rates.
“We’re confident to provide quality service should the opportunities are given to the Bhutanese,” Sangay Choden said.
Samjong Midey Pelyon tailoring charges Nu 150 for stitching a tego, Nu 100 for wonju, Nu 150 for kira with hooks, Nu 40 a mask, among others.
They also stitch the religious items and charge depending on the quality of the silk cloth. “We hope the business would do well,” a tailor, Tendel Zangmo said.
Thromde education officer (TEO), Dorji Gyalpo, said the business was to provide avenues for basic vocational, culture and traditional education to enhance self-learning and skills to improve their livelihood.
He said the education ministry’s non-formal and continuing education division supported the programme.
He said that the profit after paying utility charges, among others would be shared between the centre and tailors.
“However, the CLC task force committee would review the share after three months based on the success of the business,” TEO said.