Update on the Ann Hay Vocational Training Centre

As we know, the students here have the contract to make school uniforms for the local schools. We have also seen the beautiful items made using sewing, weaving and tie dye skills. In addition, they produce reusable sanitary towels.

Pre-cut washable sanitary towels are sent by Rosie Hutchinson of the Stratford on Avon Soroptimist club, which they then sew and attach fastenings to, such as Velcro or buttons. Reusable towels, which can be washed, allow women to have hygienic sanitary protection which is also better for the environment.

Customers for these towels include students from the agricultural college seven miles away, who come to use Taiama library as it has solar lighting and fans, allowing them to study later in the day. The vet from the college also keeps an eye on the pigs.

The college is part of Njala University, which is the agricultural university of Sierra Leone. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Sierra Leone economy, contributing over 36% to the GDP and employing over 70% of the rural population, so this expertise and knowledge is extremely important for the country.