The training schedule is split
into three sections – 1 month for tassels and sari falls, 2 months for embroidery
and 3 months for tailoring. These techniques are particularly important in the clothes
industry, making this class popular for ladies with an interest in fashion. At
the end of the 6 months Banna Creations will evaluate their progress and final
pieces of work, before awarding the greatly valued certification, which is
provided by the YWCA. For some, this certificate is the main reason for getting
involved with the programme as it illustrates their hand skills and hard work –
which could lead to employment. For others, the programme is simply a chance to
pick up interesting new skills and have some fun – which they certainly do have!
The group consists of around
10 women and girls who meet four times a week at the local Rangoli Centre in
the Ranjendra nagar slum. Some had never held a needle before, while others
were familiar with sewing. They are different ages - a mixture of schoolgirls,
young wives and mothers. Some are related and were already friends, while
others were complete strangers. However the group is united by Manjula – the YWCA
co-ordinator and hand skills teacher – who is known in the slum for her community
projects.
Now when they come together,
the centre is full of life. The group is like one big family, literally, as some
ladies bring along their children. Being able to bring children to work is
essential for those who can’t avoid their caring responsibilities. It is also
lovely for the mum’s to inspire their children with their own work, as one
little girl said she wanted to sew just like her mum.
Over half way through the
programme, the group is currently working on embroidery. After Manjula initially
taught the basic sewing techniques, the women were free to experiment on their
own. Using a square of fabric, they draw on the design and then fill it in. Most
ladies use the embroidery circle to stretch and hold the material in place while
they concentrate on one detail at a time. There is a choice of material to be
used – with brightly coloured thread, beads and sequins proving the most
popular. A range of stitches are practiced – including back stitches, chain
stitches and feather stitches. Their designs are typically swirling flowers and
plants, but each piece of work is ultimately unique. By designing their own item
the ladies can visualise their work on any real life item, such as a table mat,
wall hanging or cushion cover – which is a great inspiration. With more
practice and increasing self-belief their designs become more ambitious,
detailed and neater.
The ladies can work at their
own pace without too much pressure; it is by no means a competition. Some do finish
their designs quicker than others, but the group is incredibly flexible and
there is always more practicing to be done. Some ladies prefer to make a few smaller
pieces, while others focus on one big effort. As their skills develop their
work naturally quickens and improves, and by seeing other people’s finished
work it encourages them on. They are all incredibly committed and passionate,
as most ladies take their work home and in their free time continue away at it
independently. Finished pieces are usually displayed in their homes so their
families can admire them, which really boosts their self esteem. 
As most want to work in the
material trade after this programme, Banna Creations must keep the ladies motivated
with the end in sight. Manjula is very kind and understanding, acting as a
friend rather than a teacher in most instances, but the women do have to be at
a certain standard by the end of the 6 months in order to achieve their
certification. Throughout the programme progression is essential as outside
customers can order products from the group through Banna Creations and some of
their work is displayed at Bannas exhibitions. Real life customers are incredibly
beneficial to the group, giving them a taste of the business world that they
could one day enter - having to work towards a deadline, following customer
specifications and producing a top-quality item.
This training programme can be
challenging at times. Irregular events, such as medical appointments and
religious holidays, can break the rhythm of the 6 months. At the moment one
lady is fasting which can affect her energy and enthusiasm at the class. Pressures
of home life and children are a daily concern. Attending these classes is a constant
struggle; some have to persuade their husbands to let them go and even during
the sessions men can come along and ask their wives to leave. This difficult
situation shows just how much these women want to learn and enjoy being at the
class.
However, what is great about
learning in a group is everyone keeps each other going. Despite these
constraints, it is clear the women support each other no matter what - whether
it is sorting out the orange beads, demonstrating how to chain stitch or
babysitting a child. We strive to support them as well. At the moment we are
planning a field-trip to a haberdashery and tailoring shop, so the group can get
a taste of the business world they might join. This day out could be a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity. With Banna Creations, these women are undoubtedly developing
lifelong skills, improving their employability and having a fantastic
experience.
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