WJFB financed a Sewing Skill Training Program for single mothers and dropout girls at a registered sewing school in Jakarta. This training program was divided into two stages - basic sewing skills training and expert skills training. There were 16 young girls and women who attended this full time training. In order to have the full support from the families, we had a guarantee letter from parents or husbands to ensure their attendance in the training.

The basic skills training started in early March 2001. WJFB provided the tuition fees, transportation fees, stationary and sewing kits as well as some fabric for sewing practice. In more than 3 months, they have learned body measurement, making patterns and sewing skirts, blouses, trousers, kimonos and children’s wear. By the end of June all of the 16 people received the Certificate of Basic Swing Skills Training from the Bins Busana (the registered Sewing School).

There are 13 people who continued to the expert skills training course which started July 1 2001. During the three months of training, the students had more of a chance to do hands on practice in making dresses and other clothes and to improve their sewing skills. They also learned how to design the clothes. The students had the opportunity to do trial production also. They sold the products in the market to see public response to their products.

Ms. Susi Untari from the WJFB’s Indonesia office put in great effort to implement this program.  Now these women’s dreams have become true. Soon after the training program and with the help from Susi and WJFB’s head office in Calgary, they started a sewing business in October 2001.

The business, named Themis Clothing, is now online and is accepting orders.  Click here to visit the Themis Clothing website.