Tammytara Abaku | The waterside community
| abiyetara@gmail.com |
| What’s the name of your business, nonprofit or project? |
| The waterside community |
| What city and country is your business, nonprofit or project located in? |
| Rivers state ,Nigeria |
| Links to Your Social Media Pages (if applicable) |
| https://www.instagram.com/thewatersidecommunity?igsh=emk0OWFoODVlOXA3&utm_source=qr |
| Describe your business, nonprofit or project, and the products and/or services you offer? |
| Train a Woman A VISION FOR ARTISTIC AND CRAFTSMANSHIP EXCELLENCE Waterside Community Initiative envisions a transformative scheme to empower the girlchild and woman in Okrika with the artistic and craftsmanship skill of beaded embroidery under fashion design. Okrika blessed with a rich cultural history, expresses its heritage vividly through the arts, a tradition deeply rooted in the culture of its ancestors. Most Okrikans already possess an inherent ability to create. This untapped potential needs to be explored and developed for economic empowerment, job creation, and poverty alleviation. Our community is determined to develop the skills of women and girls, showcasing their artistry and putting Okrika on the global map by exporting unique indigenous designs. These designs will not only compete with top-notch creations worldwide but also tell the rich cultural story of the Okrika Kingdom. Through this scheme, we aim to redefine value, especially among secondary school girls in the Niger Delta. Okrika will pioneer this movement, leading by example in empowering women through art and craftsmanship In Okrika, like many rural areas, the rise in teenage pregnancies and related social issues poses significant challenges. These issues often stem from a lack of opportunities, education, and engagement for young women and girls. The absence of constructive activities and the prevalence of poverty contribute to these problems, creating a cycle that we will contribute to break. Training Okrika women and girls in artistic and craftsmanship skills is a strategic response to these challenges. This initiative goes beyond skill acquisition; it addresses the root causes of the issues affecting young women in rural areas. We can offer these young women a path to economic independence. Skills in arts and craftsmanship open doors to job opportunities, self-employment, and entrepreneurial ventures. We are committed to harnessing the inherent creativity of Okrika women and girls, providing them with the tools they need to build better futures for themselves and their families. Through this initiative, we aim to reduce teenage pregnancies, alleviate poverty, and promote a culture of self-reliance and empowerment. By investing in the training and development of Okrika women and girls, we can create a brighter, more prosperous future for the entire community. This is not just a solution; it is a transformative movement towards sustainable development and social change. |
| Are you Caribbean or African, or of Caribbean or African descent? If you are, please tell us details. |
| I’m African. My mother is kogi(Fulani tribe) My father is Okrikan (ijaw tribe) Both Nigerians. |
| Do you think your Caribbean or African upbringing/heritage has impacted your work? If so, please explain how. |
| My personal and business identity is built around sharing and appreciating the art,ways, of the indigenous peoples. In a search for ancestry I felt that others are searching to. My brand takes us in a journey of discovery and heritage. |
| How does your work positively impact culture + community? |
| A few ways are Cultural Preservation:Beaded embroidery is often a traditional craft that can embody the cultural heritage of a community. Economic Empowerment:Learning beaded embroidery can provide women with valuable skills that they can use to create products for sale. Social Benefits: Such training programs can foster a sense of community and solidarity among women, as they come together to learn and practice their skills. Education and Skill Development:Training programs like these are educational and can help women develop new skills that may increase their confidence and self-esteem. Cultural Exchange:If the products created through beaded embroidery are sold beyond the community, it can lead to cultural exchange and greater awareness and appreciation of the indigenous culture by others. Tourism Attraction:High-quality and unique beaded embroidery can attract tourists and collectors, which can be beneficial for local economies and can promote cultural tourism. Most importantly it is giving the women and girls a choice. |
| How should potential customers and persons interested in networking & partnerships contact you? |
| Email abiyetara@gmail.com |
| What message of hope or inspiration would you like to share with other women in our community who are also pursuing their dreams? |
| The message of hope and inspiration I would like to share with other women in our community who are chasing their dreams is to stay strong, stay focused, and believe in yourself. Remember that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to, and don’t let anyone or anything discourage you from reaching your goals. Keep pushing forward, and remember you are not alone,even those who have come before you are with you as you go on. |
