We get a large number of sewing machines donated and we are able to send most of them to Tanzania for rural tailoring groups. Sometimes these donated machines are unsuitable, usually due to nylon gears which can’t be replaced if they break. It’s a sad truth that new machines don’t seem as robust as those beautiful old iron ones, even if they are more ‘talented’. We try to ‘re-home’ these machines, however, and the Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary is one way they can be put to use. Below is an excerpt from a recent news release they published. As you read it you’ll see similarities to our Tanzanian based ‘Keep them Singers Singing’ programs.

#ktss #KeepThemSingersSinging #kttss

Four sewing machines, kindly donated by Tools for Self Reliance Cymru, (TFSRC)  have now been added to the ones already donated to the sewing group at ‘The Sanctuary, Newport’; an organisation dedicated to helping with the integration of refugees and asylum-seekers in south Wales. Working with Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees, (HBTSR) this initiative will enable more of the people that the organisation supports to develop useful skills as well as encourage friendships and self-confidence to grow. An unexpected off-shoot of this work, though, has been the development of English lessons alongside the sewing work.

Mark Seymour, support worker  at  ‘The Sanctuary’ was delighted to receive the machines. He said, “It is wonderful to be able to see this work expand and be able to include more people in the sewing group –  we now have a waiting list! This group  has become an integral part of work here, helping to build self-confidence and friendships, as well improve sewing skills. It is now self-sustaining because we have a lady seeking asylum who used to be a seamstress and she knows how to service the machines; she is keen to pass those skills on to others.” He added, “But a surprising, additional  bonus has been that it  is helping them to improve their knowledge of the English language. We have a large whiteboard on the wall which has a wide selection of necessary and relevant words and phrases written on it and we go through these with the sewing group members at each session.” 

The Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary website can be found here