One Tribe Ministries (OTM) provides hands-on training in tailoring to incarcerated men and women in Pacific Island prisons.
Focusing on sewing and pattern-making, OTM volunteers provide instruction and mentorship catered to each participant’s skill set to create functional and aesthetically pleasing items, including clothing, bags, and home décor.
Our program goes beyond just teaching tailoring. We integrate literacy and social skills with tailoring techniques, creating a well-rounded education that turns participants into skilled tailors and confident individuals.
- Literacy enhances participants’ ability to understand and comprehend tailoring instructions and patterns and manage finances and communication.
- Social skills foster teamwork and communication, which are essential for building customer relationships.
An ex-detainee from Bomona Women’s Correction Centre in PNG is using the sewing skills taught by OTM to support her family. Aileen and fellow former inmates are now making clothing from scratch to support their families, saying, “We’re starting a new life, and so grateful for One Tribe Ministries for teaching me to sew. I am a changed person and do work and make money. I feel very happy when I see someone wearing my clothes. I said to them I made that, and please tell your friends to buy my clothes too”.
Stories like Aileen’s are encouraging examples of how OTM programs foster personal growth! Participants develop confidence and a sense of hope for the future, with skills to seek positive ways to impact their lives and the wider community post-release.
How You Can Help
- Donate! OTM facilitate regular transport of patterns, fabric rolls, sewing machines and other equipment to Pacific Island nations to facilitate the ongoing skills programs. Everything welcome! Please get in touch with us.
- Volunteer! OTM programs rely on volunteers to provide support in all key programs. You don’t have to be a qualified seamstress to be able to provide mentorship. Learn more here.
