RTA’s summer weaving programme ends

Summer weaving programme for school-going girls that began from July 1 at Royal Textile Academy (RTA) in Thimphu concluded yesterday.

Forty-seven girls aged between 9 and 20 from Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue, Sarpang, Gelephu, Trashigang, and Zhemgang completed the basic weaving skills programme that is aimed at imparting textile knowledge and art of weaving to children to preserve and promote the textile traditions of Bhutan.

Executive Director of RTA,  Rinzin Ongmo Dorji, said, “It’s heart-warming to see our young girls take part in the programme which is an integral part of Bhutanese tradition.”

According to a press release from RTA, most students did not have prior weaving experience.

During the course of the programme, students wove 144 plain cotton mufflers.  Students were awarded certificates.

Tandin Wangmo, a class seven student of Norbuling Central School in Sarpang, said: “I used to learn weaving techniques from my mother back in the village, but coming here helped expand my knowledge. When I go back, I want to share this knowledge to my friends.”

So far, over 300 trainees have completed the training.   The summer and winter RTA’s summer weaving programme ends The programme had 47 participants weaving programmes are for beginners. Students start with plain cotton design and gradually learn to weave simple patterns and then proceed to silk yarn and intricate patterns.

The weaving centre also trains participants in yarn dyeing, contemporary design, and basic business and bookkeeping skills. RTA is a civil society organisation dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the textile arts of Bhutan.

Thinley Namgay

Source: http://www.kuenselonline.com/rtas-summer-weaving-programme-ends/