The Teacher Training on the use of sewing machines under the Simameni Project commenced today, 29th March, 2025, at North East Villa Country Resort in Kumi District. This two-day training is designed for implementing schools in the Teso Region, equipping teachers with essential sewing skills to support menstrual health management.
Grace Alubo, Project Officer for Simameni Teso Region, outlined the purpose of the training:
To ensure that students in project schools acquire skills to make reusable sanitary pads, thereby promoting proper menstrual health management.
To eliminate barriers related to accessing materials and supplies for menstrual health management.
Paul Ojilong, Teso Regional Chairperson of UNATU, welcomed the participants and expressed gratitude to UNATU and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation for supporting the initiative. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the project beyond its official timeline, urging teachers to carry forward the skills learned. He encouraged students trained in sewing to become instructors for their peers, ensuring knowledge transfer and continued impact.
Ojilong further inspired the teachers, reminding them that they serve as reference points for knowledge and change. He challenged them to use the training as an opportunity to grow, both professionally and personally. “As teachers, demand to learn more so that you remain a teacher,” he remarked. He urged participants to embrace their dreams and follow them with determination.
The official opening of the training was conducted by Duluga Buni Phillip, Deputy General Secretary of UNATU. He thanked the teachers for their participation and provided insights into the vision and mission of the union. He underscored the importance of unity among teachers and elaborated on the union’s role in improving teaching and learning conditions through training and workshops.
Phillip also highlighted UNATU’s commitment to gender empowerment through projects like Simameni and scholarship opportunities. He encouraged teachers to cultivate a sense of belonging and continuously seek knowledge. He described the training as a well-rounded skill-building experience that fosters creativity, self-reliance, and a bright future. He then officially declared the training open.
Following the opening remarks, facilitators introduced participants to sewing machines, starting with basic operations. Teachers practiced peddling techniques to initiate movement, followed by exercises in sewing straight lines and curves. They were also guided through an exploration of different sewing machine components and learned how to thread the machines effectively.
The day concluded with hands-on practice sessions, during which participants demonstrated great enthusiasm and eagerness to master the skills. With day one successfully completed, participants looked forward to further skill-building sessions on day two.
