Building skills for girls in loinloom weaving

Dimapur, April 1 (EMN): A four-day weaving and design development training was organised by North East Network (NEN) in collaboration with North East Society for handicraft Incubation and Livelihood Promotion (NE- SHILP) , a CSR initiative of NEDFi, from March 27 to 30, at Vocational Training Centre, Chizami. The training was imparted by NEN members-Neitshope-u Thopi, Kezunyipe-u Tsuhah and Neimese-u Kapfo along with four master weavers namely Konei-u Lohe, Khwepelo-u Naro, Wetezo-u Chirhah and Neiwulo-u Kezo, who works with Chizami Weaves- a livelihood project of NEN that focuses on promotion of Naga- loinloom weaving. A total of 19 young weavers from Chizami, Sakraba, Enhulumi, Thetsumi and Mesulumi and two weavers from Guwahati were trained. The objective of the training was to promote traditional weaves and to build the skills of young girls on loinloom weaving and designing. In four-day training, the young weavers learnt the technique of warping, weaving, pattern designing and standard sizes of home furnishing products and accessories. At the valedictory function held on March 30, Project Team Leader, NEN, Seno Tsuhah, gave away the certificates to the trainees. In her closing remark, Seno encouraged the young girls to continue weaving so that the newly acquired skills and knowledge will not be forgotten. Chizami Weaves, a livelihood project of NEN started in the year 2008 with 7 weavers in Chizami. Today, the project engages 500 women weavers from 14 villages of Phek district. The products included traditional shawls and ‘mekhalas’, home furnishing, and accessories, which are available in NEN stores at Chizami, Kohima, Guwahati and a select number of stores in Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai.