Phase two of the Indigenous Women Empowered by Advanced Product Development concluded on Monday in Punta Gorda. The closing also marked the opening of an exhibition to display the work of the 22 artisans who participated in the program. Here are the highlights from this event.
Marcelia Assi, President, Home of Indigenous Arts
"It is an honor to be here once more to say that hope of indigenous art Belize limited in partnership with Taiwan technical mission and Taiwan ICDF and the ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign trade, culture and immigration of Belize is here to recognize the achievements of 22 women artisans that participated in the project and advanced product development and design vocational training for indigenous women artisans in southern Belize. Over the past months from June 20th we started on a journey to advance the skills and knowledge of these women they are already utilizing their traditional skills to create products to improve their livelihoods the learning, the sharing of experiences and being supported by experts in the design fashion and handicraft industry was remarkable. Not only did the women appreciate working together to plan to design and even experimented but they were able to create, innovate and represent their cultural heritage in their products."
Cirilia Chee, Project Participant
"The advanced product development and design training was a very important training for us women as we continue to grow in our skills and prepare for using our knowledge to maintain our small businesses some of us may be just starting with the business idea and we do sometimes look at our important skills as hobbies however with training like this one it opens an opportunity to explore beyond knowing what we do to elevating it to business opportunities. The training provided much needed support as we empower ourselves to embrace our skills more learn from each other, work with each other as only together we can move forward."
Osmond Martinez, Area Rep, Toledo East
"I am a strong believer of social protection programs I believe that today is a testament of a social protection program but I am a champion of a multi dimensional social protection productivity program and what we are seeing today is not only a social program but we are seeing a social program that is productive, that will be able to assist and help the beneficiaries of this project those who have been able to upscale and re scale their human capital and to increase their human capital in a way that they would not have had that opportunity if it would have not been through the support of our friends from Taiwan."
The exhibition is located in Punta Gorda and is open to the public and visitors until October 30th.
IT IS EXECUTED under the ministry of Foreign Affairs Foreign Trade, and Culture, Lead by Taiwan ICDF.
