MARYLAND, Hanover — Some 10 women from the deep-rural community of Maryland were recently certified in sewing by the Human Employment and Resource Training Trust/National Service Training Agency (HEART/NSTA Trust).

The initiative was a partnership between the Maryland Community Development Committee (CDC) and Councillor Andria Dehaney Grant (People’s National Party, Sandy Bay Division).

The training was provided free of cost by the HEART/NSTA Trust.

The participants received a HEART/NSTA Trust Level One certification in sewing after completing six months of training, including practical and written examinations.

The commercial sewing machine used for classes was donated by Hanover Charities, a non-profit organisation based in the parish.

Councillor Dehaney Grant said the programme was conceptualised to provide training during the novel coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the HEART/NSTA Trust was approached.

“It [the initiative] was then approved, but we were also faced with the challenge of the instructor having to journey to Maryland, considering the [poor] road conditions and so an approach was made to the Hanover Municipal Corporation [HMC] to have the classes held there [HMC headquarters],” explained Dehaney Grant.

“We first had an online course on communication in the workplace then a practical course in soft furnishings,” Dehaney Grant said, adding that “we had to do a practical project along with a writing piece that was done at Kenilworth Heart Academy.”

Last Friday, a culminating activity and display of work was held in the community, which included the presentation of plaques and awards.

During the activity, Aneisha Lewis was presented with a new sewing machine for being adjudged the most-improved student in the programme.

Lewis told the Jamaica Observer West that she is happy to have completed the training, even though she felt like giving up at first, “but mi feel very good that mi do it and pass mi exams and everything”.

Even though Lewis is gainfully employed, she is excited to know that she will be able to generate additional income by sewing in her spare time.

“Sir, mi always waan learn to sew, and sometimes mi have some clothes that mi waan tek een (adjust) and mi cyaan badda fi bring it to tailor,” stated Lewis, who is looking forward to participating in an upcoming advanced level certification programme.

Lewis is encouraging others in the community to get trained.

“I am encouraging them to come and do it as it can help dem out in the future because, even if they have a child going to school, dem can build dem uniform and save a lot of money,” she argued.