Sewing machines a timely gift

[Stacey King]

Fiji Time Online Maneesha Karan Friday, August 12, 2011 Photos Terikano

WOMEN of Rabi who are well known for the production of virgin coconut oil on the island pocketed another asset to boost livelihood on the island.

The Banaban Women's Organisation was given eight electric sewing machines; two machines for each of the four villages.

The Minister for Women, Dr Jiko Luveni, handed over the machines to the women during her visit to Rabi this week.

"Look after these assets well because these belong to you women now to help in your efforts for a better living," Dr Luveni said.

"Sewing clothes by yourself will help save money, which you would instead spend buying ready-made clothes from Savusavu and Labasa," she said.

She also suggested that the machines be rented out on a daily basis for a dollar to help collect funds for the organisation.

Club president Terikano Takesau said the help from the ministry was greatly appreciated because the Banaban women could not afford to buy sewing machines.

"The women are tasting success of the production of virgin coconut oil and we found sewing machines very costly," Ms Takesau said.

"We might implement the idea suggested by the minister on renting out the machines for a dollar to women and it will become an income generating activity for the organisation.

 

"The organisation will be able to affiliate more programs with these funds collected."

The ministry has distributed 1400 electric sewing machines and it has another 500 machines yet to be distributed.