Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 14, 2018 (SKNIS): After the week long Leather Craft Workshop, which was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism at the Newtown Community Centre, five well-deserved leather artisans were selected to travel to Colombia for an internship that will broaden their horizon in the craft.
During the workshop, which spanned from September 10 to 14, participants were able to practice useful skills and gain valuable knowledge for the benefit of their leather craft production. They gained knowledge and skills in pattern design, lacing and braiding, assembling and finishing leather.
The top five participants selected will have a two week stint in Colombia under an internship scholarship programme covered by S.E.N.A (National Services of Apprenticeship). The internship programme will cover airfare, accommodation, meals, medical card, a translator and transportation.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Carlene Henry-Morton, said that their journey to Colombia will not only be beneficial to them, but the country as well.
“When five of our residents go off to Colombia for further training all of us benefit because I am sure that when they come back they are going to be willing to share,” she said. “That is the whole idea. They will be trained so that they become trainers themselves so that when we hold our workshops, they will be able to share whatever they would have learnt when they went to Colombia.”
Mrs. Henry-Morton gave sound advice to the five participants.
“I employ you to make the best of the time you are going to spend in Colombia,” she said. “Go to all of the different areas that they are going to take you to, make your notes, ask questions, and practice if you are given the opportunity to have hands on experiences apart from the theory. Make sure that you come back filled with information, techniques and strategies so that you are able to share with your fellow crafters when you come back to St. Kitts and Nevis.”
The five participants traveling to Colombia are Even Nisbett, Dezra Jefferson, Eustace Merchant, Noelie Sampson and Katrice Thomas.
