WCTGives "Threads Of Hope" Builds Skills, Confidence And New Possibilities Through Sewing

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Twenty women from B40 and vulnerable low-income communities have completed an 11-week sewing training programme under WCT Holdings Bhd’s (WCT) WCTGives “Threads of Hope” corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.

WCT said the programme, conducted in collaboration with Grace Community Services (GCS) and Hazel & Nutz, was designed to equip participants with practical, income-generating sewing skills while building their confidence, capabilities and financial resilience.

“The initiative was supported by WCT’s contribution of approximately RM42,000, including the sponsorship of 10 sewing machines, essential sewing tools and materials. The sewing machines will remain at the GCS community centre to support continued skills development and future training initiatives,” WCT said in a statement today.

Held at GCS headquarters in Klang, the weekly four-hour sessions were conducted by Hazel & Nutz founder Hazel Loke, who guided participants through pattern drafting, fabric cutting and sewing construction before progressing to practical sewing projects.

Over the course of the programme, participants produced various handmade items including drawstring bags, cushion covers, reversible tote bags, batwing blouses, basic skirts, aprons, upcycled denim bags, tissue pouches and scrunchies.

A budgeting and costing class was also held to provide participants with basic knowledge of product pricing and planning, enabling them to better understand how their sewing skills could potentially be turned into income-generating opportunities.

WCT deputy managing director Datuk Peter Chow, in the same statement, said the initiative reflected the company’s belief that meaningful community impact begins with creating opportunities for people to learn, grow and realise their potential.

“We are pleased to have supported a programme that gives participants the encouragement, tools and platform to take their next step with confidence. We hope this journey will continue to open doors for them in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Loke said the programme also helped participants develop skills beyond sewing, particularly in entrepreneurship, goal-setting and teamwork.

“I have seen their confidence grow after every session, and that is what makes teaching so rewarding for me,” she said.

As part of the programme, participants also put their newly acquired skills into practice through a pre-order sale of their products to WCT employees, generating approximately RM2,555 in sales.

The sale provided the participants with first-hand experience in producing handmade products for customers, while giving them an opportunity to appreciate the commercial potential of their newly acquired skills.

A participant, T. Premesvery, said the programme had boosted her confidence and inspired her to pursue sewing as a potential source of income.

“This programme has shown me that I am capable of learning and creating something with my own hands. I feel proud of what I have completed, and it has encouraged me to continue sewing and explore how these skills can help me earn an income in the future,” she said.

The graduation ceremony marked the completion of the participants’ training, with each receiving a certificate of completion and showcasing the sewing projects produced during the programme.

WCTGives “Threads of Hope” forms part of WCTGives’ #WeCareTogether and #EducationForAll pillars, which support initiatives that strengthen community well-being, build capabilities and create more inclusive opportunities for underserved communities.

Launched in 2022, WCTGives also advances environmental stewardship through its #AGreenerTomorrow pillar.

-- BERNAMA