‘EVERY STUDENT NOW HAS ACCESS TO THEIR OWN SEWING MACHINE’

Florence Abejja is a dedicated instructor and the head of the Fashion and Design department at Pioneer Technical Institute (PTI). In this interview, she shares her experiences and the positive impact of Gered Gereedschap on the program, the students, and the instructors.

Florence, can you tell us about your role and experiences at PTI?

Florence: “As the head of the Fashion and Design department, I have the privilege of working with a diverse group of students and talented instructors. We have received a lot of support from Gered Gereedschap, which has enabled us to improve our education and increase the quality of our programs. This support has greatly benefited not only our institute but also the students and instructors.”

How has Gered Gereedschap specifically contributed to the development of the students?

Florence: “Thanks to the support from Gered Gereedschap, many students who previously struggled to pay their tuition fees have been able to continue their education successfully. This applies to both our national certificate program and the shorter skills courses under the Directorate of Industrial Training. It’s amazing to see how these students can realize their dreams, and it has greatly improved their motivation and performance.”

What benefits have the instructors experienced thanks to the support from Gered Gereedschap?

Florence: “For the instructors, there was a time when we had outdated teaching methods and limited skills in facilities. However, Gered Gereedschap has helped us learn new and modern skills, including the use of computer and ICT skills. This has not only improved our teaching but also the way we convey the material to our students.”

How has the improvement of the equipment in the fashion department affected education?

Florence: “Before we received support from Gered Gereedschap, we did not have enough sewing machines, which made it difficult for students to gain practical experience. Now, each student has access to their own machine, including electric sewing machines. This has significantly improved the quality of our education. The students can now put their skills into practice, and this has also translated into better performance during their internship periods.”

How do you find your students’ reactions to the changes in education?

Florence: “The reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. My students have told me that they really enjoy my classes now. The training I received has allowed me to implement more modern teaching methods, and that has truly made a difference. We are now well on our way to effectively implementing the new curriculum, which is also a direct improvement for the students’ learning experience.”