“We are encouraged by the outcome of the overall sales and the support we have received from the community. It gives us hope as we know that our skills and hard work are appreciated, and we can continue to brainstorm more ideas to create more beautiful products that people love…” – Lily, Weaving Facilitator
Behind the innovative designs of our woven products that were well-received at our pop-up booths lies a team of committed weavers who worked hard to create new and functional products that appeal to people from every corner of life. Across four locations- JPMorgan Corporate Office, Tiong Bahru Community Centre, International Baptist Church and The Art Faculty @ SG Enabling Village- where our booths were situated, the response was heartening as several of our products found new homes and our weaving workshops garnered numerous sign-ups.
In the heart of our mission to empower our community lies the YWCA Weaving Programme – a social enterprise that empowers women from the marginalised community, equipping them with skills to not only create woven products for sale but also facilitate workshops with confidence. Through this programme, our Weaving Mums earn a flexible income that allows them to balance their caregiving duties while supplementing their household earnings.
A range of woven bags on sale at the JPMorgan pop-up
Our pop-up booths were stocked with one-of-a-kind products, created with love by our talented Weaving Mums and volunteers. It was a hub for people who were looking for unique items that could not be found elsewhere. From handcrafted accessories made by our board member, Ms Tan Kee Leng, to table runners, sling bags and scarves made by our Weaving Mums – each product exuded its own unique character.
“We are encouraged by the outcome of the overall sales and the support we have received from the community. It gives us hope as we know that our skills and hard work are appreciated, and we can continue to brainstorm more ideas to create more beautiful products that people love…” said Lily, a Weaving Mum.
In addition to providing an avenue for our Weaving Mums to showcase their talents and earn a living, the YWCA Weaving Programme has also become a platform for raising awareness about the challenges faced by women in our community.
Extending beyond contributing to the well-being of the marginalised, Saori weaving is a therapeutic art form that provides a sanctuary for mindfulness and self-expression. It serves as a retreat from the everyday stresses, and it is an accessible art form of self-care for anyone. There is no hard or fast rule to Saori weaving, and it fosters a sense of joy and ease of skill development, which proves especially beneficial for those grappling with mental health issues and individuals with special needs.
Ms Indranee Rajah exploring the craft at our pop-up booth at Tiong Bahru Community Centre Christmas Festival
Our weaving team at the Tiong Bahru Community Centre Bazaar pop-up booth is all smiles!
Weaving is embraced by both the young and old, offering a creative outlet that knows no limits. Partaking in the weaving programme is not only a way to empower the marginalised community, but it is also a means of practicing self-care.
We are grateful to JPMorgan, SG Enable, Tiong Bahru Community Centre, and International Baptist Church, for their support in making our pop-up booths a success. We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with them and showcase our unique products at their events.
Our Community Service Programme Senior Manager, Ms Anne Chew receiving a certificate of appreciation from Tiong Bahru MP, Ms Indranee Rajah
In the coming months, we are looking to collaborate with more organisations so that we can continue to inspire more women to pursue their dreams and never give up on themselves, no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem.
If you missed our pop-up booths last December, don’t worry! Our handcrafted products and stylish apparel are still available for purchase on our e-shop.
Follow the link to browse our wide range of products and make a difference with every purchase!
If have any questions or enquiries, feel free to contact us by clicking the button bellow.
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