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​dispatches from kolahun

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8/29/2018

TRADITIONAL CRAFT REVIVED

2 Comments

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​WOMEN’S WEAVING COOPERATIVE supports emerging Female Entrepreneurs

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It was a sultry Friday afternoon. A group of women, taking a break between lessons at their literacy class, were talking among themselves about ways to generate income to improve their household finances. A few of the older women mentioned their skills as weavers, a traditional craft in Kolahun dating back centuries. The craft has been slowly dying in Kolahun, primarily due to dwindling demand for the Country Cloth these women weave.  The typical casual dress of women across Liberia today is a t-shirt and wrap skirt, both imported.
 
The other women were interested in weaving but most didn’t have the requisite skills.  In the heat of the afternoon, they decided to form the Women’s Weaving Cooperative (WWC). They established a 6-month apprenticeship program that would give graduates the option to join the WWC. Each cohort would have 12 apprentices with the two skilled weavers as the instructors. They would meet every Friday and Saturday before their literacy lessons. 
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The WWC’s first dozen apprentices have graduated; a second group of 12 apprentices is currently enrolled in the program. RESTORE HOPE: LIBERIA, with additional funding support from the Friends of Liberia, is supporting the WWC with seed capital to purchase the weaving supplies and underwrite a 4-month business skills training course.  As these women embark on their long journey to economic independence, we are also working to secure markets, both in Liberia and internationally, where the Country Cloth would be sold at a fair price to ensure the profitability and sustainability of the venture. 

The women of Kolahun have begun weaving an exciting new narrative for their future! 
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2 Comments
Martin cephas
4/11/2021 12:08:38 pm

Hello,

My Name is Martin Cephas, I am a multidisciplinary artist based in Providence Rhode Island. I am also a first-generation librarian born.

I happened to stumble upon this page due to my inquiries on traditional Liberian country cloth, and how I would be able to purchase from these women back home.

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Saundra link
4/14/2021 10:58:20 am

Dear Martin,

How wonderful that you've found RHL! Please email me at saundra@restorehopeliberia.org and I can provide information on the cloth. We'd also love to see your art!

I look forward to hearing from you.

All the best,
Saundra

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  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • OUR TEAM
    • OUR JOURNEY
    • ANNUAL REPORTS
  • ABOUT LIBERIA
    • DISPATCHES FROM KOLAHUN
  • PROGRAMS
    • HEALTH
    • EDUCATION
    • ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
  • EVENTS
  • SHOP
  • CONTACT US
  • DONATE NOW