(MENAFN- Jordan Times) ZAATARI — 'From the pain we were suffering, we have created something beautiful,' Fatima Sharban said about the tote bags she learned how to sew out of UNHCR tents she used to live in at Zataari refugee camp.
As part of Oxfam's livelihood programme, some 130 women have been trained in sewing techniques over the past two months, learning how to design practical handbags.
'We started this project at the beginning of October, training each group of women for two hours a day, six days a week and it has been a great success so far,' said Nada Srour, Oxfam livelihood officer, noting that all the bags have all been sold out days as soon as they entered the market.
'We partnered with the German marketing company 'More than Shelters' which has been handling the post-production process and we are currently working on scaling up the project to include labels, and maybe quotes from the tailors to be printed on the bags,' she told The Jordan Times at the workshop.
Made out of old UNHCR tents in which the Zaatari residents used to live before moving to the caravans, the bags offer a minimalist, trendy design, in line with the latest fashion.
'We have three sizes, and as each contains a different part of the UNHCR logo, which makes every piece very unique,' said Suha Ali, a trainer in the programme, noting that 'the project has been a tremendous success, and has helped so many women already.'
A former seamstress back in Syria, the woman now helps empower fellow refugees living in the camp, with a special focus on single mothers, women with disabilities, and widows.
'Since I started this training, it has really helped me provide for my family and my seven children. I am now able to buy baby clothes for my youngest child, and to support my husband,' she said.
Thirty per cent of the profits generated by the sale of the bags are redistributed to the tailors, who are also provided with a graduate certificate once they complete the training.
'Even though I knew how to sow back in Syria, I have learned how to do it professionally, with a machine. I can now measure, cut, design, all in a very professional manner,' said Sharban, who voiced her hope to open her own tailoring shop in the future.
'If I had money or capital to start with, I would open a shop right here, right now,' she asserted, stressing her sadness to see the training come to an end for her.
'This project has helped us tell our story and share our suffering to the world. Through those bags, we can show people what we are going through,' said Rula, a mother of six.
'When we have celebrities or foreign delegations visiting the camp, they are all amazed by the quality and the beauty of the bags. They all buy dozens of them and share pictures of them on their social media, which is a great boost for the project,' said Aisha Shwiti, media officer at Oxfam.
'Our biggest customer base so far has been located in the West, with a very strong demand from the foreign markets,' said Srour, noting that they are currently working on expanding their outreach to sell both in Amman and online.
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