ASFF initiative gives a boost to senior citizen clubs’ sewing activities |25 February 2013

The donation is an initiative of the Alliance of Solidarity for the Family (ASFF) which received funds to purchase the 10 sewing machines through a project submitted under the US Ambassador Self-Help programme.

In a short ceremony at the community development department at Oceangate House last week, the vice-chairperson of ASFF, Françoise Larue presented the sewing machines to the chairperson of the senior citizens association Jeanne d’Arc Gerry.

 This was in the presence of senior citizens club representatives from the eight districts receiving the sewing machines.

ASFF chairperson Germaine Valentin said the donation will help strengthen the existing partnership between the association and the community development department.

She noted that the two parties are already collaborating in various fields such as parenting, living values and health activity programmes.

“The new sewing machines will help the senior citizens better organise their sewing activities to include more young people, especially during the holidays,” said Mrs Valentin.

Sylvianne Lemiel, director general for programme development and special events within the community development department, said the districts were chosen based on the scale, level and scope of sewing activity they are carrying out.

Takamaka and Anse Royale are among the districts with well organised sewing programmes taking place both during the week and holidays.

Thanking the ASFF for the initiative, Mrs Gerry said such essential tools will no doubt improve the quality of their work and the senior citizens welcome such help.

She further added that lack of tools and other equipment is a main reason why some of the project the association plans are put on hold.
She said she hopes this initiative will be followed by similar ones in the near future.