Sewing Skills Training and Support for Weaving Groups Program – PLN UIW NTT

Sewing and weaving groups in East Sumba are more than just local economic enterprises; they are custodians of culture who play a vital role in preserving tradition. Through the arts of sewing and weaving, these groups safeguard ancestral heritage while creating new opportunities for local economic empowerment. As a form of commitment to supporting these communities, PLN UIW NTT, in collaboration with the Community Care Network (CCN) Foundation / Yayasan Jaringan Peduli Masyarakat (JPM), launched a training support program for sewing groups in Payeti and weaving groups in Mondu, East Sumba. This program was designed to strengthen and enhance the capacities and skills that these groups had developed in previous years. The initiative provided 20 overlock (serger) sewing machines, which were distributed to previously assisted sewing groups. In addition, material support in the form of weaving supplies was provided to weaving groups to ensure the continuity of their production. The program also included technical training, socialization activities, and ongoing monitoring to support group members in improving productivity and the quality of their handicrafts. The program aims not only to preserve local arts and skills but also to improve the economic well-being of its participants. By combining tradition with technological innovation, PLN and JPM seek to create a positive impact on the local economy while empowering artisans to achieve greater self-reliance. The Sewing and Weaving Group Training Support Program was implemented from July to August 2024 and focused on improving community welfare through entrepreneurship and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises development. Through enhanced skills and increased income opportunities for sewing and weaving groups, the program is expected to improve the overall quality of life of the participating communities. Through this support, PLN UIW NTT and JPM reaffirm their commitment to strengthening local communities, ensuring the sustainability of East Sumba’s traditions and culture, while opening new opportunities within the creative economy sector.