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Wednesday, 17 July 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
After the successful and pioneering training for Sri Lanka’s bamboo craftsmen in early 2019 and later in June, the third phase of the program will take off in Colombo today, 17 July. Internationally-recognised Italian product designer Giulio Vinaccia is scheduled to join the parallel design sessions being held along with today’s sessions.
The bamboo industry workshop launched by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in early 2019 introduces international bamboo craft expertise for local artisans for the first time.
The ‘Bamboo Processing Sri Lanka’ project launched by UNIDO and funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF) is done in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The three-phase training program – of which the third commences today – is part of this ‘Bamboo Processing Sri Lanka’ project to develop Sri Lanka’s bamboo supply chain and product industry. Today’s training sessions too will be guided by URAVU India (India’s Indigenous Science & Technology Study Centre).
As an essential step of this project, UNIDO, in collaboration with the Industrial Development Board (IDB) under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, launched the bamboo training program in early 2019. The objective of the training program was to build local capacities and transfer the necessary knowledge needed to work with bamboo, develop the sector, and create an eco-friendly practice in bamboo processing.
The first training held in January focused on sharing knowledge on ‘Bamboo Preservation and Treatment Methods,’ which allowed beneficiaries to learn the skills of preservation while launching a value-added product to the market.
The second training held in June focused on sharing knowledge on ‘Basic Bamboo Handcraft Techniques’. The objective was to build a fundamental understanding of bamboo handcrafts and technology.
Following the first two successful workshops, UNIDO and IDB have decided to continue building local capacities by leading the next step in bamboo processing knowledge. The third workshop that commences today focuses entirely on ‘Bamboo Product and Furniture Making,’ to build an industrial approach to bamboo product and furniture making. The training will conclude on 27 July at IDB premises, Ratmalana.
The participants who successfully completed the second training on bamboo craft techniques will have their skills enhanced by learning how to produce furniture in bamboo, guided by URAVU. At the same time, a theoretical training on design too will take place. This training module provides an in-depth preparation in design for international projects in creative industries, where design is considered as a key driver of economic and social development. This workshop will be held by Vinaccia.
The design training which starts on 22 July will conclude on 26 July, a day prior to the end of the main training sessions. The design course addresses university graduates (Bachelor’s Degree) in the fields of design, marketing, architecture, and creative economy, to representatives of the National Design Centre and Craft Council.
