Tumul Uj Pueblo Mopan Women’s Group Complete Training Program in Sewing

Over the weekend, a training program in Pueblo Viejo, Toledo District, concluded with a celebration of newfound skills and empowerment. This initiative, a collaboration between the Government of Belize, the Taiwanese Technical Mission, and the Tumul Uj Pueblo Mopan Women’s Group, provided sixteen women, including single mothers, with the opportunity to learn how to sew traditional Maya garments and contemporary office wear. The program’s goal is for these participants to use their newly acquired skills to create sustainable livelihoods for themselves, weaving a brighter future with every stitch.

 

Dalia Sho, Coordinator, Women’s Sewing Training Program

“It has been a very tedious three months, but I am glad to say that the women that have participated have come a long way, from not knowing how to pedal a machine to now.  I can say that they have sewn their own, the clothing that they have graduated in today is the Mopan wear.  I am proud to say that they are the ones that produced their own outfits today.  The ladies have learned so many, not only the culture well, but also the uniforms, the office outfits, babies’ clothes and so many other designs and styles when it comes to clothing and textiles.  I would like to say that this is an opportunity for them to help themselves, being an entrepreneur because, as you have heard, some of them are single mothers, some of them are self-challenged and so that’s the reason why we really support this project.”

 

Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Development

“I want to congratulate and to thank the trainers, Ms. Maria Cucul and Ms. Martha Shul, whom over the past sixteen weeks, have empowered these women.  They have taught them their skills, they have passed on knowledge, values, attitudes that are going to help these women to ensure that they are empowered, both economically, meaning that they can make their own garments.  That can, you know, sew for the community and outside of the community.  They can generate their own money and ensure that they have a sustainable livelihood.  So congratulations to all these ladies.  And this would never be possible without the support of our friends from Taiwan.”