Course Overview:
The Crafts Using Local Materials course at St. Pierre and Alix Life Skills Training College celebrates traditional craftsmanship and promotes sustainable, culturally rooted skill development. This program equips learners with the knowledge and practical techniques to produce functional and decorative items using affordable, locally available resources such as banana fibers, palm leaves, papyrus, cow horns, bark cloth, raffia, and recycled materials.
As the world shifts toward eco-conscious living, crafts made from natural or up-cycled materials are in increasing demand for both local and export markets. This course not only cultivates creativity but also offers a viable path to self-employment and small-scale enterprise, especially for those in rural or resource-limited settings.
What You Will Learn:
1. Introduction to Crafting with Natural Materials
Students are introduced to a variety of indigenous materials commonly used in Uganda for weaving, molding, carving, and decoration. They learn how to source, clean, and prepare materials like banana fibers, papyrus, sisal, clay, cow horn, wood offcuts, and discarded plastics for safe and effective use.
2. Weaving and Basketry Techniques
A core component of the course focuses on weaving mats, baskets, and wall hangings using raffia, reeds, and palm leaves. Students learn coiling, plaiting, and twining methods to create strong, attractive products suitable for homes, hotels, and cultural markets.
3. Jewelry and Ornament Making
Learners are trained in designing and assembling accessories like beaded necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and hairpieces using seeds, cowrie shells, bottle caps, and threads. They explore basic jewelry design, color theory, fastening techniques, and finishing for market-ready products.
4. Pottery and Modeling
Using locally sourced clay and molds, students learn how to shape small items such as cups, bowls, incense holders, and sculptures. They are also introduced to sun-drying and basic firing methods appropriate for limited-resource environments.
5. Upcycling and Creative Reuse
Sustainability is a key theme of this course. Learners are trained in repurposing materials like plastic bottles, glass jars, paper, and old fabric into new items such as lampshades, vases, décor, and shopping bags. The program fosters innovation, resourcefulness, and environmental awareness.
6. Surface Decoration and Finishing
Crafts are polished, painted, or finished using locally made varnishes, natural dyes, and textile paints. Students learn how to preserve their items, add value through creative design, and package products for sale.
7. Marketing and Enterprise Skills
The course teaches students how to build a craft-based business, set pricing, identify target customers (e.g., tourists, gift shops, local families), and use low-cost marketing channels like social media and word-of-mouth. Learners also practice sales skills through craft fairs and institute exhibitions.
Who This Course Is For:
This course is perfect for:
- Creative youth and adults looking to earn from handmade products
- Individuals in rural areas seeking low-cost, high-impact skills
- Stay-at-home parents, widows, or school leavers without capital for formal business setups
- Anyone passionate about eco-friendly, cultural, and artisanal crafts
- No formal education is needed—just a willingness to learn and a creative spirit.
Practical Experience:
Craft training is delivered through hands-on workshops where each student creates several completed items. During the course, learners develop product collections and participate in weekly display sessions to build confidence and receive constructive feedback. Students also produce crafts to sell during institute open days, holidays, or community exhibitions—giving them real experience with customers and pricing.
Certification and Career Paths:
Graduates of this course receive a Certificate in Crafts and Local Material Production through the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT). The training qualifies students for roles such as:
- Community-based artisans or craft group leaders
- Producers for local or export-focused craft shops
- Cultural educators or trainers
- Entrepreneurs in home décor, gifts, and festival items
- Suppliers to NGOs, cooperatives, and cultural centers
Many graduates also create home-based studios or join women’s empowerment groups to teach others.
Course Duration:
The course runs for 6 to 12 months, depending on specialization and assessment schedule. A 3-month short course is available for learners interested in a specific craft type (e.g., basketry or jewelry only).
Materials and Tools:
Students are encouraged to collect and bring:
- Raffia, banana fiber, beads, paper, bottle caps, clay
- Simple hand tools (cutters, pliers, glue, needles)
- Recyclables and household items for upcycling
The institute provides shared resources, basic dyes, and protective gear during practical lessons.
Success Story:
Mary Nalukenge, one of the institute’s earliest trainers, helped start the craft program using only locally available tools. Today, her students continue to sell handmade bags and baskets at craft markets in Kampala and Wakiso. Some graduates have partnered with tailors to create decorated garments and accessories, adding value to their work.
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