Summer Weaving Program Ends
The thirteenth summer weaving skill program for school going children/youths started on July 1, 2019 and concluded on July 30,2019. During the closing ceremony the forty-six participants were awarded certificates and stipend by the Executive Director of RTA. While addressing the closing ceremony, the Executive Director said “It’s heartwarming to see our young children take part in program which is an integral part of Bhutanese tradition”. The participants came from Tashignag, Tsirang, Zhemgang, Gelephu and Thimphu. The youngest participant was nine years old and the oldest a student from the Royal Thimphu College.
During the program the students start by learning the basics of weaving like rolling the yarn and identifying different types of yarns and looms. Then they proceed to making warp and then weaving simple plain mufflers on a back-strap loom. The first woven product of the participants during the training is given back to the participants as a token of appreciation and to encourage them to keep developing their skills.
The school vacation skills development training is aimed for all school going children and youth irrespective of gender. The summer skills development program lasts for a month and the winter programs lasts for two months approximately. To avail the training, no prior weaving skill is required and the RTA provides stipend as well. The participants do not have to bear any cost or bring any materials for the program, all the necessary materials like looms and yarns are provided by the RTA. The number of participants keeps rising each program and RTA is trying its best to accommodate everyone who wishes to participate. The students are encouraged to apply as soon as their vacation is about to start. They can register for the program with the weaving department at the RTA, as the space gets filled up soon.
The RTA would like to thank all the participants in joining the RTA in its mission of preservation, promotion and conservation of the traditional Textile arts of Bhutan.
