Wayan has been busy creating Suchi's ladies wear collection

Wayan, a mother living in the slums of Denpasar, has spent the last 8 months learning how to sew as part of Sacred Childhoods' trade initiative. 

At the start of the training Wayan could not read or write or even do basic sums, so our team set to work helping her learn literacy and maths.  Next she enroled on the sewing course and was supervised by an Indonesian lady who we have come to call 'The Dragon', namely because she was very strict about timing and keeping a professional attitude -which turned out to be just what the students needed!

So a year after Wayan first started learning to read and write, she has now completed the sewing course and is busy making Suchi's new collection of clothing made from 100% bamboo linen.  She is also now teaching some of the other mothers how to sew -they have watched Wayan's success and want a piece of the action!

For the mothers who can't comit the time needed to complete the sewing course, they are contect to sit on the floor in the slum school and make Suchi necklaces whilst their babies bounce around in their laps.  The women gossip, giggle and poke fun at one another whilst earning good money.  They still have to go to the streets to beg sometimes, but the more sales we create through Suchi the less often they will have to do that and the more time they can spend in the safety and comfort of the Slum School instead.

Well done Wayan on being a brave pioneer and stepping out of your comfort zone to embrace a new opportunity.  We are all very very proud of you and the example you are setting to the others!