The one week (5days) program started on Tuesday the 29th at 9am with the arrival of participants. After introduction and a word of welcome from Madam Ernestine, the Ankara training proper began at 10am. Their expectations were; to discover what Ankara craft and designing was all about, how to use ankara works as source of income and this could be seen from their excitement when the program was presented to them. I Talikong Loveline the Program Manager of Inclusive Empowerment and Mentorship Program of United Youths Organization was engaged in delivering a ful package on arts and craft. she started by sharing the training materials (gum,brushes,scissors,fabric,measuring tapes etc) to each of them. The purpose of this training was to build capacity of Internally Displaced teenage Girls for income generating activities.
I started by teaching them how to make an Ankara earings (different shapes), then continued with headband in the afternoon after lunch. The day ended so well as the girls went back home so happy and eagerly waiting for the next day to come.
The next day, the training continued as from 1pm with Hand fan. The first 2 days seemed challenging as the girls were still learning how to use and manage the training materials. Day three was on designing a purse,followed by the covering of old shoes with Ankara on Friday. our teaching method was on the girls bringing out new methods and styles in designing and craft work they were thought on. amongst others were their old shoes, belts, face caps, sandals, bags, purses etc. The last day of the training was marked by mixed feelings knowing they were not going to have such enticing and reach program as what they learned. They learned how to make an Ankara bangle, how to shape out plastic containers to make bangles. Some of the challenges faced where; insufficient resources, time constrain to fully cover what was planned to do.
The entire training was a memorable period for the girls given they learned different skills and blended with the little they know to reduce poverty and hunger thus having financial independence. They expressed how happy they were with all what they’ve learned. This was done through ‘thank you’,’God bless you’’, ‘we’ll miss you madam’’. We were so touched hearing all these from them and also seeing the smiles on their faces. They all wished the training was not to end that day so that they’ll continue coming to learn. As a trainer and coach, Mme Talikong Loveline encouraged them not to go and sleep on the skills they’ve gotten but that they should put it into practice and be innovative too. Not only relying on what they learned she remarkerd “there are many other shapes and things they can do as far as Ankara works is concerned. Finally we came to the end of the great and exciting week as they all went back home so happy and excited with their start up material that was handed over to them by CAMGEW represented by Madam Ernestine the Project Coordinator.
