Soroptimist International SVG makes donation to Kingstown Technical Institute

Soroptimist International St Vincent and the Grenadines, donated 10 sewing machines to the Kingstown Technical Institute as they celebrated Caribbean Soroptimist Day, marked on January 16.

SISVG President Jane Farrell (left) handing over sewing machines to Principal of the KTI, Bertillon Hamilton (right).

A release from the local arm of the organisation said the donation was made possible through a partnership with a sister club, Soroptimist International of San Fernando,Trinidad and Tobago, which provided the funds to purchase the machines locally.

The machines were previously used at the Barrouallie Technical Institute in its garment production programme from 2022 to 2024. Students of the Barrouallie Technical Institute completed their programme and gained Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ).

The Principal of the Kingstown Technical Institute, Bertillon Hamilton, thanked the club for the donation and stated that the machines will aid the students in their CXC school-based assessments.

The club’s president, Jane Farrell, encouraged the students to watch sewing videos on the internet which she said would help hone their skills. Also, she used the opportunity to inspire the students by sharing her journey in garment production.

Soroptimist International St. Vincent and the Grenadines Governance Chair, and President of Soroptimist International Caribbean Network, Rene Baptiste, said the machines are for the empowerment of the next generation and reiterated that although Soroptimist is a women’s organization, it believes in gender equality.

“Thus, we are excited and encouraged to hear that our males also, use the machines for self-improvement,” she is quoted in the release as stating. Other members of the club who were present also motivated the students and conveyed their best wishes.

The Caribbean Soroptimist Day celebration continued on Sunday, January, 19, 2025 with worship at the Kingstown Methodist Church. This was followed by a brunch and fellowship to reflect the organisation’s commitment to support women and girls.