A women’s group in Lorengau town, Manus Province, will now hold sewing classes and create clothing and other handicrafts for sale after receiving 20 electric sewing machines from the Australian High Commissioner, Deborah Stokes.
Yesterday Ms. Stokes officially handed over the sewing machines to Pihi Lorengau Women’s Group during her visit to the province.
The sewing machines were donated to the Pihi Lorengau Women’s group under the High Commissioner’s Direct Aid Program Grants to advance developmental objectives and address humanitarian hardship.
When presenting the machines, Commissioner Stokes said she hoped the machines will help boost the women’s income.
All 20 sewing machines cost K10, 000 in total and are the latest models on the market.
She added that empowering women and girls to enable them to reach their full potential and enjoy equal opportunities is crucial for the future and prosperity and viability of the country.
Lorengau town planner, Vincent Pohei said the sewing machines will empower the women who are also equal partners in the development of Manus.
Pihi Lorengau spokeswomen, Anna Pondkot, thanked the High Commissioner and said among other activities, sewing has been a priority area for the women and they will make good use of the machines.
The project was an initiative of Lorengau town Mayor, Ruth Mandrakamu, and Manus Acting Provincial Administrator, Andrew Poson.
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