Carmelita Government School Offers Sewing Program to the Unemployed

Keith Augustine

Sometimes we hear of seasonal projects that teach people different skill sets in order to prepare to become self-employed. The Carmelita Government School is doing its part to prepare people in the Orange Walk community to earn their keep through sewing. Today, administrator of the school, Keith Augustine told News Five that even single mothers are a part of the daily sewing classes for a fee of fifteen dollars a month, and upon completion, these seamstresses could even sew your wedding gowns.

Keith Augustine, Administrator, Carmelita Government School

“They come and we get a teacher, we pay for a teacher and they – it has been successful. We have graduation, we have students now that are sewing for business and also assisting the school in sewing uniforms. Roughly, sixty students have graduated since this started three years ago. And they’re certified and they would come to school, “Maestro weh yoh need daily.” That’s a way of trying to get kids to do something and my community is one that employment is very difficult, most of the kids are abandoned at home while the parents are looking for jobs. So I’m  trying to create small jobs here at school.”

Marion Ali

“What would they learn to make?”

Keith Augustine

“It would be basic, like purses, uniforms, dresses, wedding dress – what else, anything.”

Marion Ali

“If you could sew a wedding dress you could sew anything.”

Keith Augustine

“Yes, yes. We want to venture into shoe-making.”