Women in Vanualevu to benefit from Australian Government assistance
20 November 2013
With funding of $50,000 from the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program (DAP), the Fiji Arts Council (FAC) is currently running a week-long textile workshop in Labasa as part of the Vanualevu Cultural Creativity Project (VCCP). The project aims to increase skills in quality handicraft production for communities in urban and remote areas of Macuata and Cakaudrove.
The Labasa workshop is the first in a series commissioned by the FAC and aims to develop basic skills in textile handicraft production. While the majority of participants are women, the FAC has also welcomed several men and youths into the project. Each will be schooled in a variety of textile handicraft techniques and approaches.
The Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program Manager, Mr Peter Lothian, said the Australian Government was excited to be a part of the FAC’s work to support cultural creativity in the North.
“Participants in the workshops will learn a range of handicraft techniques including silk screening, fabric printing, dyeing, sewing and applique. The project will also encourage the revival of traditional skills, knowledge and use of local materials, along with innovative approaches, modern designs and contemporary materials,” he said.
Future workshop themes include production methods, design, display and merchandising techniques. The workshop series will also provide training on developing business plans for income-generating enterprises and life management skills.
“We are pleased to be able to partner with the FAC, the Macuata and Cakaudrove Provincial offices, the Commissioner Northern’s office, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Department of Women, to kick off this workshop series,” Mr Lothian said.
“Workshops such as this have the potential to deliver a wide benefit to the community,” Mr Lothian said. “Not only do they provide an opportunity to preserve and pass on multi-ethnic cultural techniques, but the income generated by selling the handicrafts will inject much-needed income into households and communities. This will help build resilience against shocks – something that is particularly important as we move into the cyclone season and communities face increased risked to their food crops and agriculture-based income.”
Australia’s Direct Aid Program will also support the FAC to set up a VLCCP office in Labasa. This office will coordinate the handicrafts workshop and deliver outreach programs in urban and remote communities in Vanualevu.
The Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program supports small-scale projects with a strong development focus, in complement to Australia’s broader aid program.
Since July 2012, the Direct Aid Program in Fiji has contributed over $700,000 to more than 30 projects, supporting schools, community groups and Non-Government Organisations across Fiji.
For further information, please contact Ms Sarah Toohey on 8392528 or Mr Peter Lothian on 7071204.
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For clarifications or further information contact: The Public Affairs Section, Australian High Commission, Suva. Tel: (679)3382211 – Ext 246 Fax: (679) 3382065