A group of migrant and refugee women are utilising traditional sewing and craft practices to turn old things into gold.
Auckland-based Kohna Zari Ko is a mending and upcycling service led by the Migrant Women’s Group and The New Settlers Family and Community Trust (NFACT).
NFACT general manager and registered counsellor Fahima Saeid told the Times the idea for the service came from her experience working with refugee and migrant women in New Zealand.
“I’ve worked in the refugee sector for the last 20 years,” Saeid says. “Women who usually come either have never been to school or don’t have any transferrable skills that could develop into a job opportunity for them here.”
Kohna Zari Ko helps migrant and refugee communities through activities incorporating traditional sewing and craft practices from their home countries, opening up opportunities for friendship, education, and connection.
Additionally, the service creates financial independence for “women who are towards their mature and senior age who otherwise will not get the chance,” Saeid says.
“There’s a major mental health and emotional wellbeing component to this as well.”
The 10 talented women of Kohna Zari Ko have recently undergone up-skilling training – a six-week course that teaches them how to use and maintain an electrical sewing machine, as well as education on running a business and customer service, skills that are integral in establishing further independence.
Kohna Zari Ko can undertake alterations, tailoring and unique sewing commissions with a focus on sustainability by giving ‘new life’ to old clothes and fabric.
Some items are also for sale through their Instagram account.
Kohna Zari Ko organised, with the aid of Arts Out East and Objectspace, a free pop-up mending event at Ormiston Town Centre in July. Community members brought along clothes and garments that required a simple fix, such as a fallen button, dropped hem or a small hole.
Two Kohna Zari Ko members run a community-based sewing group on Monday evenings at Te Tuhi in Pakuranga. Anyone is welcome to join.
