THE PROJECT JUSTINE | train the trainer

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THE PROJECT JUSTINE – train the trainer stands for the in-depth training of trainers in the tailoring trade and the creation of long-term jobs. Starting with our own education and vocational center in Benin, we are increasingly working with other countries in West Africa. The reconstruction of an independent and sustainable textile sector with clothing, fabrics and yarns MADE IN AFRICA will play an important role for the region in the coming years. To get people into good work and let African design shine again in all its originality, craftsmanship and cultural richness.

more about THE PROJECT JUSTINE - train the trainer e.V.

THE PROJECT JUSTINE – train the trainer stands for the in-depth training of trainers in the tailoring trade for the creation of long-term jobs. Starting with our own education and vocational center in Benin, we are increasingly working with other countries in West Africa. The reconstruction of an independent and sustainable textile sector with clothing, fabrics and yarns MADE IN AFRICA will play an important role for the region in the coming years. To get people into good work and let African design shine again in all its originality, craftsmanship and cultural richness.

more about THE PROJECT JUSTINE - train the trainer e.V.

Our subject areas

EDUCATION & WORK

We want to enable people to pursue the profession of tailor or trainer with passion after their training and earn a living from it. To do this, we take a holistic view of our students: Are they suitable, do they want to learn the trade, what do they need beyond technical knowledge? A person who can confidently say "I know who I am, what I can do and what I want" has a strong foundation and will stand their ground.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

We offer our students and trainers a protected environment in which they can think out loud about their situation and raise their voices. This experience is often the beginning of a wonderful transformation. Women begin to learn to read and write. Buy a motorcycle with their salary. Building a house for their family. And thereby gain visibility, recognition and status. In Africa, too, the basis for women's empowerment is the compatibility of work and family life.

FAIR FASHION & VALUE CHAIN

We create working conditions that we can stand behind. This includes a workplace in which people can work happily and productively. As well as transportation, catering, childcare, coaching, living wages and conscious use of resources. We also support West Africa's efforts to no longer just grow and export cotton. But rather to depict the entire textile value chain again: From the plant to the finished textile. We are convinced that 100% MADE IN WESTERN AFRICA is possible.

DESIGN COLLABORATION

Africa must reposition itself. That is why we ask many questions in our exchanges with West African designers: What do we mean by African design? Which colors, which cuts, which materials suit our identity? How strongly has the colonial era shaped us and how do we want to deal with this legacy? How can a good balance be struck between tradition and modernity, between belonging and individuality? In our search for answers, we place great value on openness. Everyone is invited to take part. It is also important to recognize, acknowledge and endure opposing opinions - in order to then move forward together and constructively.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE

The Dirndl à l'Africaine by fashion brand NOH NEE expresses it wonderfully from our point of view: in order to master the challenges of our time, we need Colormix - the open, honest and creative exchange of world cultures. Whereby we see exchange as a starting point - for connection and commitment. Through our work in Benin, Ghana and Senegal, we also promote pan-African exchange, which is equally important.

News & Storys

Tradition meets modernity

May 29, 2023 | Architecture, Benin

We didn't have to convince Felix Schürmann, professor of architecture at Biberach University of Applied Sciences, and his students. They were on board immediately. THE PROJECT JUSTINE - train the trainer not only offers the chance to really get to know the country and...

Why Benin?

Feb 2, 2022 | Benin

The fact that we chose Benin is a coincidence. We sometimes hear ourselves say this. But it was no coincidence. The choice stands and falls with Justine Tchilalou Payarou, our first student, whom Marie and I trained as a seamstress in our Munich studio.WE HAVE LEARNT...

Our commitment in West Africa

Location

Projects

Benin

Focus: Establishment and maintenance of our own training and vocational center for trainers in the tailoring trade in Bersingou.

Sponsor: THE PROJECT JUSTINE – train the trainer e.V. thanks to sponsors and supporters

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SENEGAL

Focus: Training of trainers in the tailoring trade. In addition, construction of a production facility for textiles.

Project partners: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Karima Mbacké & Team, Diourbel

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Ghana

Focus: Training of trainers in the weaving trade. In addition, development of fabrics, patterns and prints.

Project partners: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and University of Education, Winneba

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Location

Benin

Focus: Establishment and maintenance of our own training and vocational center for trainers in the tailoring trade in Bersingou.

Sponsor: THE PROJECT JUSTINE – train the trainer e.V. thanks to sponsors and supporters

learn more

Projects

SENEGAL

Focus: Training of trainers in the tailoring trade. In addition, construction of a production facility for textiles.

Project partners: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Karima Mbacké & Team, Diourbel

learn more

Ghana

Focus: Training of trainers in the weaving trade. In addition, development of fabrics, patterns and prints.

Project partners: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and University of Education, Winneba

learn more

THE PROJECT JUSTINE – train the trainer e.V.

The association is led by Rahmée Wetterich and Marie Darouiche, founders of the Munich fashion label NOH NEE. With the success of their internationally renowned Dirndl à l’ Africaine, the question of a suitable production location quickly arose: In which country, on which continent do we want to have our dresses made in the future? Under fair conditions and cooperation characterized by mutual interest, appreciation and respect. The search for a coherent answer led the founders to Benin in 2016 – even if production was initially out of the question. Not because there was a lack of seamstresses and tailors, but because there was no uniform understanding of how to sew trousers, a shirt or even a dirndl.

Today, THE PROJECT JUSTINE – train the trainer runs its own training and vocational center in the north of Benin, where young women and men learn the tailoring trade from scratch and grow up to become trainers. The commitment is bearing fruit. The first students are trained, pass on their knowledge to the next classes and are requested by neighboring countries due to their expertise. With the growing interest in West Africa as a production location for textiles, the need is evident everywhere: there is a lack of tailors who can process fabrics to a uniformly high standard, as well as a lack of trainers who can train and instruct. The first collaborations and partnerships are formed across national borders – always with the aim of creating long-term jobs.

We are grateful for the journey that lies behind us. And excited about the steps that will follow. Africa is on the move. We move with.