Ten persons from the communities of Maria Elizabeth/Three Friends, Coomacka and Nottinghamshire have completed a four-day bamboo weaving training programme conducted by the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR) under a European Union-funded project aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods.
According to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the training was held from July 6 to 9 as part of the Euroclima project, Piloting Bamboo for Restoration and Sustainable Livelihoods in Guyana, which is being implemented in partnership with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).
The participants were trained in extracting and smoothing bamboo fibres, creating a variety of weaving patterns and techniques, colouring the fibres and finishing bamboo products.
The sessions were led by Ecuadorian bamboo trainer Olmedo Del Peso.
The ministry said the training was also supported by Merely Campo of Santa Aratak village, who served as a training assistant after previously participating in a similar bamboo weaving programme facilitated through the Chinese Embassy and the Ministry of Tourism.
The GFC, which is the local partner for the project, said it continues to work with INBAR to build the capacity of communities in the sustainable use of bamboo as a means of supporting livelihoods and promoting forest restoration.
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