A program to teach sewing skills to Gold Coast refugee and migrant women showcases how clubs can operate within a hybrid model to benefit their local communities and that it is possible to contribute and be part of Rotary wherever you live.
PICTURED: A SewAid program on the Gold Coast has been teaching refugee and migrant women basic sewing skills since 2022.
In collaboration with PDG Tony Castley, of the Rotary e-Club of Greater Sydney, NSW (D9685), Rhonda Whitton, who lives on the Gold Coast, Qld, and is an e-member of the Rotary Club of Highton, Vic (D9780), established a SewAid program on the Gold Coast to teach refugee and migrant women basic sewing skills. The program is modelled on Tony’s successful SewAid program that he has implemented in Africa and South Pacific countries.
The sewing program runs throughout the year and offers four-hour classes on Saturday mornings. It has been operating since 2022. Classes adopt a very flexible teaching approach to cater for the different cultures and family circumstances of the participants as well as their different levels of sewing skills.
The women get to choose their own sewing projects and fabrics to best meet their expectations and sewing experience. Items range from children’s skirts, shorts and dresses through to ladies’ garments, tote bags, hats and purses.
While the women learn basic sewing, garment construction and mending skills, it is also an opportunity for them to meet and socialise with other women within the Gold Coast community. This means there is always chatter and laughter during classes, but within a very respectful and nurturing environment.
The program operates in conjunction with Thriving Multicultural Communities (aka TMC or The Migrant Centre) on the Gold Coast. TMC arranges participants and also makes available a large training room and storage for the sewing machines, overlockers, fabric and haberdashery.
The success of the program is based on Rotarians collaborating across three states as well as working alongside a community organisation. It’s a win-win for all.