Individual potential and people's interests are one of the basics of community development done by ITM and its subsidiaries. For example, in Teweh Timur Subdistrict, BEK has supported the home sewing industry, especially in Benangin 1, Benangin 2, and Benangin 5 villages.
In 2019, BEK CD Team encouraged each village to form sewing groups and assisted with two sewing machines per group. These groups participated in basic sewing and sewing machine usage training. After the training, the group members applied the skills they acquired in their respective villages.
The success story of the sewing group can be seen in Benangin 5 and later on, followed by other groups. These groups have started n receive orders from schools and residents.
To improve the skills of group members, BEK conducted advanced training, including patternmaking, body measurement techniques, and pants pattern creation.
This advanced program was supposed to be held in 2022 but was only organized in February 2023. Participants consisted of members from Benangin 1 (5 people), Benangin 2 (5 people), and Benangin 5 (10 people) groups.
The four-day training (21-24 February 2023) took place in the Benangin 2 village office hall, using hands-on practice methods. Instructors from Muara Teweh Regency taught body measurement techniques for one day, followed by pattern creation using paper on the second day. Participants then underwent sewing practice, making clothes and pants, on the third and fourth days.
Due to the training containing practical topics and complex subjects, the training hours were extended until the evening. In addition, the two available sewing machines significantly caused implementation limitations since some devices provided by BEK previously had been damaged. In response to the condition, BEK plans to provide additional sewing machine support in 2023, enabling groups to increase capacity and add sewing machines as needed.
The Head of Teweh Timur Subdistrict, drs. Walter inaugurated the training. The inauguration was attended by the Village Heads of Benangin 1, Benangin 2, and Benangin 5. "I hope the BEK program can be utilized to the fullest by the beneficiary communities and provide benefits, especially for mothers, in improving skills and increasing household income," said Mr. Walter.
Mr. Walter also hopes that BEK will continue to support the mothers to become more independent and organize other skills training according to their current interests and potential. Additionally, he hopes specialized training for youth groups can be held, enabling them to sharpen their skills and abilities in developing businesses. "Thanks to BEK for initiating this activity. May this program continue to grow and positively impact the community in Teweh Timur Subdistrict." ***
