In the fall, our work reached an international trade audience for the first time. The Winneba Weavers (Ghana) presented their work at Munich Fabric Start. For many of those involved, it was a special moment to see their own products in an international context and to realize that what is created in Winneba is also relevant on global platforms and is very well received internationally.
In Accra, Ghana, the exhibition “From Tradition to Transition” was held at the Nubuke Foundation in cooperation with the OR Foundation. On display were the results of the weavers’ training and woven pieces made from recycled T-shirt yarn collected from the beaches of Ghana. The exhibition told of transformation, from waste to material, from tradition to contemporary design, from training to professional practice.
The emotional highlight of the year was thegraduation ceremonyin Senegal. After one and a half years of training, the graduates celebrated their graduation with their self-designed and self-sewn gowns, hats and the symbolic tossing of their caps into the air. Proud faces, even prouder families and a powerful feeling of “We did it!“. This was followed by touching photo shoots with the graduates and their families – pictures full of solidarity and new perspectives. For us as a team, this moment was a strong sign of why we do this work.
In December, Carola Windecker joined the TPJ board as the new secretary, meaning that the board is now complete.