Craft trainees return from India

Gallery, Lupane Women’s Centre, Zenzele Foundation, Binga Craft Centre and STERP Trust.
The comprehensive and customised training was on craft-making, focusing on designing, new product development and new technologies in basket weaving.
The training was conducted by leading experts in designing from the National Institute of Design and Master Artisans of Northern India.
Welcoming the trainees in Harare, Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni expressed her gratitude to the Indian government.
“This gesture by the Indian government is further testimony of our all-weather friendship.
“Every year our officials undergo training in India, and this edition was a special one as it was extended to SMEs,” she said.
Minister Nyoni urged participants to put into practice what they learnt to improve quality of their products and designs.
She urged them to pass on the knowledge acquired to other fellow colleagues in their respective communities.
“This should enable you to easily attract bigger markets and business development support services which can enable you to grow your enterprises,” she said.
She said Zimbabwe was the first country to benefit from this particular programme, which would be extended to Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi and Zambia.
Minister Nyoni encouraged the trainees to form a Basketry Craft Association of Zimbabwe and also diversify into carving, embroidery and jewellery.
With the opening of the National Handicraft Centre set for October this year, Minister Nyoni promised the women first preference in allocation of stalls.
The women brought back some models they will be using in making various products including lamp shades and stools.