Three-Day Workshop on Product Making from Discarded and Old Clothes
From March 10th to 12th, 2024, the Khangchendzonga Conservation Committee (KCC), in collaboration with the UNDP Secure Himalaya Project, organized a certified training program on design and product making from discarded waste materials, including crochet techniques. The workshop, titled "Strengthening Solid Waste Management Practices with the Zero Waste Principle in Khangchendzonga National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, West Sikkim," was held at the KCC office in Yuksam.
This initiative aimed to empower women from Yuksam and surrounding villages by providing them with alternative livelihood opportunities. Participants from various self-help groups (SHGs) of different age groups attended the workshop. The training focused on creating products such as sling bags, wallets, and tote bags from old clothes, as well as keychains and display dolls from crochet.
Inaugural Session: Setting the Stage for Learning The workshop commenced with an inaugural session chaired by Mr. Bhim Bahadur Gurung, Panchayat President of Yuksam-Dubdhi Gram Panchayat Unit. In his address, Mr. Gurung congratulated the participants on their opportunity to learn new skills and promised further training opportunities in the future. Mr. Suraj Subba, a representative of the Secure Himalaya UNDP project, provided an overview of the workshop's goals and emphasized the importance of sustainable waste management practices. Miss Uden Bhutia, CEO of KCC, welcomed the participants with an inspiring speech, setting a positive tone for the three-day training.
Day 1: Introduction to Techniques and Tools The first day of the workshop was dedicated to theoretical sessions. Participants were divided into two groups: one focused on sewing and stitching, while the other concentrated on crochet. Miss Uden Bhutia led the sewing group, introducing the participants to the essential parts of a sewing machine and the do's and don'ts of its operation. She explained the process of installation, needle changing, and preparing the machine for use. The session also included sorting old clothes and discussing the products participants would create.
Day 2: Hands-On Training and Skill Development On the second day, Mr. Man Bahadur Thatala took over the sewing group's training. He demonstrated how to install a sewing machine, emphasizing each part's function. To illustrate the process, he sewed a torn shirt and transformed it into a bag, showcasing the potential of upcycling old clothes. The participants, most of whom were using a sewing machine for the first time, received basic training on pedaling, looping the thread, ironing, and taking measurements. Meanwhile, Miss Uden Bhutia continued to guide the crochet group in creating handmade crafts, including pandas, keychains, and bags.
Day 3: Finalizing Products and Certification The third and final day of the workshop was crucial for participants to complete their projects. The participants were fully engaged in sewing and crafting, resulting in a variety of products, including carry bags, handmade purses, and crochet pandas. The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, where the chief guest acknowledged the participants' hard work and dedication. Mr. Kinzong Bhutia, General Secretary of KCC, delivered a vote of thanks and invited participants to share their experiences. Some participants expressed their desire to continue practicing their newly acquired skills and requested access to the KCC office for further use of the sewing machines.
Participant Details The workshop saw active participation from 25 women from various SHGs across Yuksam and its surrounding villages. These women, representing different SHGs such as Kartok, Surya, Marigold, and others, demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to learning new skills that could potentially enhance their livelihoods.
The three-day workshop was a significant step towards empowering local communities with sustainable practices, aligning with the broader goals of the UNDP Secure Himalaya Project. By equipping women with the skills to repurpose discarded materials into valuable products, KCC is fostering a culture of zero waste and providing economic opportunities to the people of Yuksam and beyond.
