TAILORING LABORATORY REOPENED IN ITALY

«Cuciamo legami» («We sew bonds») has reopened after lockdown in Italy. The solidarity project of the Women's Ministries (WM) of the Adventist church in Sciacca (Sicily) and the ADRA Italia local section is made in collaboration with the Municipality.
«Many women asked me when they could get back to the laboratory, because they wished to stay together», says Katia Montalbano, WM director in the church of Sciacca, who promoted the project. In fact, the amateur course of cutting, sewing and embroidery has not only the goal to teach how to sew fabrics, but above all has the objective to «sew bonds» of friendship and solidarity. «Cuciamo legami» aims to prevent situations of discomfort and social isolation by creating a context that favors socialization and friendly relationships, in addition to building a charity network.
The project started two years ago. About 20 women meet together twice a week in the Volunteer and Association House of Sciacca, a room made available free of cost by the Municipality. In March, during the lockdown, the laboratory had to stop its activities. Last month it has reopened to the joy of the women. The works made are put on sale. The proceeds are in part donated for humanitarian aid to the needy families in Sciacca, in part to self-finance the course. Two volunteer seamstresses teach the participants, lending their professionalism in order to train the women in tailoring skills, which could turn into a possible job for some of them. Other associations support the project with donations and resources.
Reported by Lina Ferrara, WM national coordinator in Italy[HO1]
Photo: ADRA Italia