Tailor Program

Bates Vocational Center•Tailor Program

 

The development of a Technical Tailoring Program aimed at empowering youth in Liberia, both male and female, through partnerships with national technical institutions. By offering dual certifications, the partnered institution’s certificate and the Mishael Bia-Garyar Jewell Bates Vocational Training Program certification—this program would not only enhance the skills of the youth but also increase their employability in the growing fashion industry.

Here’s a proposed outline for the development of this program:

Program Objectives
  • Skill Development: Equip young Liberians with the skills necessary to become proficient tailors, designers, and entrepreneurs.
  • Youth Empowerment: Provide an alternative livelihood and career path, particularly for marginalized or unemployed youth, through technical and vocational education.
  • National Development: Foster the growth of Liberia’s domestic garment and textile industry, contributing to the country’s economic and industrial development.
  • Certifications: Issue two certifications to enhance youth employability and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Curriculum Design

  • Basic Tailoring Skills: Introduction to the basics of sewing, fabric types, patterns, and garment construction.
  • Advanced Tailoring Techniques: Mastery in creating different styles of clothing, using specialized equipment, fitting, and adjustments.
  • Design & Fashion Innovation: Incorporate lessons on design principles, trend forecasting, and sustainable practices.
  • Business Skills for Tailors: Basic entrepreneurship, customer service, inventory management, pricing, and marketing.

Partnerships with National Institutions

  • Collaboration with Technical Schools: Partner with Liberia’s technical institutions or other recognized vocational centers to provide the program’s foundation.
  • Dual Certification: Students will earn certificates from both the partnered institution and the Mishael Bia-Garyar Jewell Bates Vocational Training Program.
  • Industry Exposure: Provide internships or practical training with established local fashion designers, textile companies, and garment production companies.

Phase 1: Introduction to Tailoring and Fashion Design

  • Subjects: Basic sewing techniques, textile materials, simple garment creation, and introduction to fashion design.
  • Practical: Design and sew basic garments like shirts, dresses, and pants.
  • Evaluation: Certification from the partnered institution and basic tailoring proficiency.

Phase 2: Advanced Tailoring and Entrepreneurship Skills

  • Subjects: Advanced garment creation, pattern making, alterations, and fashion trend analysis.
  • Business Skills: Branding, pricing, marketing for small businesses, and online platforms for sales.
  • Practical: Create advanced outfits (e.g., suits, formal dresses) and business plans for tailoring enterprises.

Phase 3: Internship/Apprenticeship

  • Internship with local designers or tailoring workshops to gain hands-on experience in the local industry.
  • Business Mentorship: Receive mentorship from local entrepreneurs in the tailoring and fashion industries.
  • Male and Female Youth: Focus on inclusivity, providing opportunities for both male and female youth to access and benefit from the program.
  • Age Group: Young people aged 18-35 who are either in secondary school, out of school, economically disadvantaged and or seeking a change in career.

Partnership Development: Engage with key technical institutions with existing structures, goodwill individuals, local businesses, and international agencies that may be interested in supporting technical training in Liberia.

  • Location and Facilities: Identify training centers within Liberia, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary tools (e.g., sewing machines, fabrics, pattern-making tools).
  • Outreach and Recruitment: Use community outreach programs, social media, and collaboration with schools, local leaders, and youth organizations to recruit participants.
  • Assessment Criteria: Assess participants through practical assignments, business proposal submissions, and a final project demonstrating their skills.
  • Employment Tracking: Monitor graduates’ progress in the workforce, particularly their success in finding employment or establishing businesses.
  • Economic Growth: Empower young people to start small tailoring businesses, contributing to economic independence.
  • Social Benefits: Provide young men and women with valuable skills, reducing unemployment and creating self-sustainability as well as economic empowerment.
  • Sustainability: Encourage sustainable fashion practices and entrepreneurship, aligning with global trends.

This program’s structure can help youth gain valuable and practical skills that will allow them to enter the workforce or create their own businesses, while also helping to strengthen Liberia’s tailoring and fashion industry.