Mothers and girls urged to put down phones, take up weaving

Aug 18, 2025 | Initiatives and Projects, Arts & Culture | 0

Young girls and mothers are being encouraged to spend less time on their phones and instead focus on weaving with pandanus leaves — a skill that not only preserves Vanuatu’s culture but also creates income opportunities.

This call was made by Janet Sine, Industry Coach for the Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) based in Santo, who oversees the headwear (hat) sector and works with two associations: the Limabulu Association in Santo and the Bosahe Association in Malo.

Coach Sine stressed that mothers and young women who are already weaving should continue, as there is a strong market for pandanus products both within the provinces and in tourist hubs, especially in main towns. She urged communities to train more young people in the craft rather than spending excessive time on mobile phones.

She highlighted the recent establishment of the SANMA Creative Industry Community Company, trading under the SANMA Creative Hub. The initiative aims to increase membership among weavers, encourage mothers to pass on weaving skills to young girls, and promote the use of pandanus plants growing in their yards or gardens as a valuable resource for future livelihoods.

Elsie Dick, President of the Bosahe Headwear Association in Malo, echoed this sentiment, encouraging all young girls and mothers to learn weaving, particularly women who can be taught by their mothers. “Please ask your mothers to teach you — they can help you,” she said.

Jonana Ugna, President of the Limabulu weaving Association in Santo, urged mothers who have left the association to return and resume weaving.

She encouraged young girls who are at home and no longer in school to engage in productive activities, highlighting weaving as a valuable skill.

“We have remained in the weaving industry and have seen the benefits,” Ugna said. “We weave and receive income. Right now, we are earning money every week and it feels good. Pandanus has helped and supported our families in many ways.”

Coach Sine noted that most mothers in Santo who are currently weaving learned the craft from their mothers or aunts while growing up, and she stressed the importance of keeping this tradition alive for the next generation.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Mothers and girls urged to put down phones, take up weaving

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