Neten Dorji | Merak

When the two-week training on tailoring and dyeing ends, the residents of Merak will have no dearth of tailors.

Three years ago Tshewang Dema from Merak village in Trashigang dropped out of school after she could not qualify for higher studies. She has embarked on a new venture to become a tailor.

Tshewang Dema, 28 , is among 12 participants training in tailoring and dyeing since November 4.

She said she could join the training after the Tarayana group in the community recommended for training on tailoring and dyeing.

After the training, Tshewang Dema is optimistic that she can open a tailoring shop in Merak.

“I could not help my parents since I was unemployed for a few years. Now I hope to help them,” she said.

There are few residents who own sewing machines in Merak.  Many stitch their clothes by hand.

Another trainee, Phurpa Lhamo also wants to open a tailoring shop. “We can stitch our own attire like Tegos, Shingkha, Zhamu and Wonjus,” the mother of two said.

Another participant, Dorji Phuntsho, 67, from Gengu said that he was happy that he need not depend on anyone else for the task. “If I could stitch my family’s clothes, it would be enough.”

Participants said that the training gave them an opportunity for women to become self-reliant and support her family.

An elderly participant, Namgay Dema said, “Now we can make different colours of wool.”

The 14-day training, coordinated by the Tarayana Foundation and with funding from Sunline Foundation, is to enhance the livelihoods of women in Merak and Sakteng and create employment.

Senior Field Officer, Sonam Jamtsho said the project would train 12 members in Merak and 15 in Sakteng.