Dubai: An Ajman-based charity organisation is helping financially needy women to become self-sufficient by teaching them the craft of sewing and embroidery.
The 23-year-old Al Ihsan Charity Association has so far trained 150 women, most of whom are divorcees, widows and girls, to become proficient in sewing, embroidery and handicraft so they can earn a living.
The centre also provides support to 6,000 families and 900 orphans every year. It also has a medical centre which gives free treatment to 6,000 patients every year.
“Instead of doling out aid, we decided to teach them skills which they could use to start a business of their own,” said Ammar Al Haj Ali, Director of the association’s PR and Media.
When XPRESS visited the centre recently, there were 15 women taking lessons in sewing and embroidery.
Self-employment
“The course – split into two semesters - lasts for four months. In the first semester we are taught the basics of stitching and how to use a sewing machine. In the second, we learn to stitch different clothes – from baby frocks, blouses, abayas to shirts and pants for all sizes,” explained Emirati Nahla Ali, 49, a former student and now an instructor.
“But what is most interesting is that at the end of the course everybody is given a sewing machine,” added Nahla who now runs her own tailoring business from home.
“I make around Dh6,000 a month and I am the sole supporter for my six children. I am so thankful to Al Ihsan as I am now financially independent,” she said.
Nahla has three sewing machines in her house – all given to her by the organisation. “I also teach other women so they can become independent like me.”
Emirati Maysoon Jasim, 40, who is a student here, said she learnt stitching and embroidery from scratch. “In the beginning I could not even do a straight stitch. I took time to familiarise myself with the sewing machine but now I am becoming quite an expert.”
For Pakistani student Sana Javed, 20, the centre has been the best training institute she has ever been to. “Even those who have difficulty learning how to stitch will end up becoming proficient at the end of the course. I am hoping to complete my training soon and start my own tailoring business from home,” she said.
Her older sister Mukaddas Javed also shared the same sentiment. “It’s not just about learning a new skill here. The centre, by gifting us a sewing machine, also encourages us to work for our living. This is a very positive and supportive group.”
In another room, two instructors, Egyptian expatriate Suad Abdul Shakoor, 50, and Iraqi expat Kifa Hamza, 54, were teaching students to make gowns. “I made this dress in seven days with the help of 10 girls at the institute,” said Hamza pointing to a blue embroidered gown. “We used a lot of materials donated by people to make this dress. We are planning to hold an exhibition soon and sell the students’ creations,” she said.
