By Shirabe Yamada | Executive Director, Sunbula
Dear Friends,
It has been a challenging time in Palestine since our last update. A genocidal war and unprecedented humanitarian crisis continue in Gaza. Our two partner artisan groups lost their buildings in the bombings, and their staff fled to seek shelters after their homes were destroyed. In the West Bank, the communities have been placed under tight closure since the war began, rendering the movement between different areas extremely difficult, if not impossible, and unsafe. This has severely impacted the ability of Sunbula and our artisan groups to carry out our work.
Despite the situation, we were able to achieve some milestones in empowering our artisan groups.
Reviving the Heritage: Artisan Training on the Tahriri Embroidery
In Bethlehem, we embarked on a journey to revive the intricate art of Tahriri (couching stitch) embroidery. Sunbula initiated a training program at the Women’s Child Care Society, empowering 15 women in advanced skills. We worked together with local designer, Nadya Hazboun, to transform their newfound skills into a stunning new product collection. The training has boasted the production at the Society, and opened up a new work opportunity for the women who participated in the training.
Empowering the Bedouin Women: Launching a New Sewing Workshop
We also breathed new life into an unused hut in the Anata Bedouin community near Jerusalem, converting it into a space for workshops. Basic sewing training was provided to 8 women that newly joined the Noor Al-Qamar group, expanding their product range beyond jewelry to include dish towels and tote bags. The new products are now popular sellers at Sunbula, and the women are earning income for the first time in their lives through the sewing work.
Gaza Emergency Aid
We launched a crowdfudning campaign a week after the war began to send emergency aid to our two partner groups in the Gaza Strip. The funds have been used for humainitarian aid like food and winter clothing, and for providing psychosocial support to children and women at the shelters for the displaced.
Sunbula is committed to continue our work to sustain and empower the artisans during these difficult times.
Thank you so much for your support in making it possible.
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