Project Report - Takoradi Humanist Women in Ghana provide Knitting & Crocheting Workshop

 The 3-week class aimed at teaching Humanist women in Takoradi, Ghana, the skills of knitting, Kente weaving, and sweater-making was a transformative experience, supported by a $300 budget from HuMAN.

The class was designed with the goal of empowering women through practical skills that could lead to self-sufficiency and income generation while also fostering community building and cultural preservation. The program focused on providing participants with essential techniques in knitting, including casting on, basic stitches, and the creation of small items like scarves and hats during the first week.

The second week introduced Kente weaving, with participants learning the history and cultural significance of Kente while practicing basic weaving patterns on handlooms. In the final week, participants advanced to sweater-making, where they learned to knit simple garments and finishing techniques.

Throughout the course, local instructors, skilled in both knitting and Kente weaving, offered hands-on guidance and personalized attention, ensuring all participants were supported regardless of their skill levels. Alongside teaching these skills, a dedicated space was set up at a community center in Takoradi, providing a long-term venue for the women to continue practicing and refining their craft.

The space was equipped with the necessary tools for both knitting and Kente weaving, and plans were made for it to remain a collaborative hub, with participants contributing time, materials, or small fees to ensure its sustainability. The program's $300 budget was allocated to materials, instructors' fees, venue setup, and refreshments, with careful planning to maximize its impact.

Despite the challenges posed by limited resources and time, the program achieved its objectives by equipping participants with valuable skills and fostering a sense of empowerment and community. The women not only acquired practical abilities in knitting and weaving but also gained a deeper appreciation for traditional crafts, potentially paving the way for entrepreneurial ventures.

The community space set up for ongoing practice has the potential to become a sustainable hub for future workshops, collaborations, and business opportunities, contributing to the long-term empowerment of these women and the preservation of cultural heritage.