On Monday, the Rotary Club of Antigua, in partnership with the Bellevue Breakfast Club and the Rotary Club of Kirkland Downtown, launched its 11th Sewing Centre in Parham.

The facility is housed in the former constituency branch office used by the caretaker for the St. Peter’s Constituency, Mr. Rawdon Turner.

According to Cordell Josiah MBE, the Project Coordinator and Past President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, the club is pleased to have finally initiated the project in Parham after several attempts over the years.

He further explained that the joint effort provides a unique opportunity for participants to develop a skill that has the potential to make them marketable and profitable.

Michael Spencer, the President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, expressed his encouragement for the presence of another sewing facility, which will provide both men and women with a platform to develop a useful skill.

He also thanked Mr. Rawdon Turner for embracing the program and the possibilities it offers for community development.

The International Coordinator, Past President Jan Martinka, expressed her joy at partnering with the Rotary Club of Antigua on another project.

She encouraged the residents of Parham and surrounding areas to visit the centre and take advantage of the opportunity to learn something new.

The partnership between the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club (BBRC) of Washington State District 5030 and the Rotary Club of Antigua (RCA) started in 2008 after two years of planning between the Past District Governor Steve Lingenbrink, Past President John Martinka of the BBRC, and Past President Cordel Josiah MBE of the RCA in 2006.

Community Member and Caretaker for the St. Peter’s Constituency, Mr. Rawdon Turner, welcomed the opening of the centre, stating that the community needs an empowerment initiative to teach the skill of sewing and promote self-sufficiency.

The Rotary Sewing Project has trained over 600 people to sew over the years. Ms. Sheralyn Debbie Black will facilitate the courses at the centre on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 pm -7 pm.