BASKET WEAVING COURSE OUTLINE

Course Overview

The Basket Weaving Course at Zebra Liquid Enterprises is a 1-month vocational training program designed to equip participants with artisanal skills in creating high-quality, functional, and decorative baskets. This course focuses on traditional and contemporary weaving techniques, teaching participants to create a variety of products such as fruit baskets, storage baskets, and wall hangings. It also integrates business training, enabling learners to start their own weaving businesses or connect with local and international markets.

The course emphasizes self-sufficiency and sustainable livelihoods, empowering individuals to earn a living by using locally available materials to create marketable products. Participants will also benefit from mentorship and market linkages provided by Zebra Liquid Enterprises.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will:

1. Master the basics of basket weaving techniques and patterns.

2. Learn to design and create various types of baskets, including functional and decorative products.

3. Understand sourcing and preparation of materials such as reeds, raffia, and banana fibers.

4. Gain entrepreneurial skills for pricing, marketing, and selling woven products.

5. Access market linkages and develop a business plan for sustainable income generation.

Course Structure and Topics

Week 1: Introduction to Basket Weaving and Materials

• Overview of Weaving Tools and Materials: Reeds, raffia, banana fibers, sisal, and weaving needles.

• Sourcing and Preparing Materials: How to collect, sort, and treat fibers for weaving.

• Basic Weaving Techniques: Twining, coiling, and plaiting methods.

• Understanding Patterns and Designs: Introduction to geometric and decorative weaving styles.

Hands-On Practice:

• Practicing basic weaves using reeds and raffia.

• Creating a simple round or flat-bottomed basket.

Week 2: Intermediate Weaving Techniques and Product Development

• Shaping and Structuring Baskets: Techniques for round, oval, and rectangular shapes.

• Incorporating Patterns and Colors: How to create multi-colored designs and traditional patterns.

• Adding Handles and Lids: Making functional baskets with secure handles and tight lids.

• Quality Control: Ensuring strength, durability, and consistency in woven products.

Hands-On Practice:

• Weaving a shopping basket or fruit basket with handles.

• Experimenting with colored fibers and decorative elements.

Week 3: Advanced Weaving and Specialized Products

• Creating Decorative Baskets and Wall Art: Weaving ornamental products for homes and events.

• Basket Weaving for Special Occasions: Designing gift baskets and wedding decorations.

• Exploring Niche Markets: Crafting products for hotels, boutiques, and export markets.

• Repairs and Maintenance: Techniques for repairing damaged baskets.

Hands-On Practice:

• Producing decorative baskets or wall hangings.

• Creating custom products for special orders or events.

Week 4: Business and Entrepreneurship Skills for Weavers

• Business Finance for Weavers: Budgeting, pricing, and managing production costs.

• Marketing and Customer Engagement: Building a brand and attracting customers.

• Packaging and Product Presentation: Presenting woven products attractively for sale.

• Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices: Promoting the use of natural materials.

• Market Linkages and Certification: Guidance on accessing local and international markets, and obtaining quality certifications.

Hands-On Practice:

• Developing a business plan for a basket weaving business.

• Role-playing customer interactions and sales pitches.

Training Approach

• Trainer-Learner Ratio: 1 trainer per 30 learners to ensure personalized attention and effective learning.

• 80% Practical Learning: Emphasis on hands-on practice and product creation.

• Follow-Up Support:

  • 6 months of mentorship to assist graduates in starting or expanding their weaving businesses.

  • Guidance on certification with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) if required.

  • Market linkages to promote graduates' products in local and international markets.

Assessment and Certification

• Participants will be assessed through:

  1. Practical Product Development: Weaving a variety of functional and decorative baskets.

  2. Business Plan Presentation: Developing and pitching a sustainable business idea.

• Graduates will receive a Certificate of Competency from Zebra Liquid Enterprises, with further assistance to acquire DIT certification if needed.

Target Audience

• Unemployed youth, vulnerable individuals, and community members interested in learning artisanal skills.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to start their own weaving businesses or sell products in local and export markets.

Community Impact and Market Access

At Zebra Liquid Enterprises, we are committed to ensuring that graduates not only learn basket weaving skills but also have access to markets and sustainable business opportunities. Through our Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), participants gain access to capital for business startups. We also facilitate market linkages to connect graduates with hotels, retail stores, craft markets, and export markets.

Why Choose Zebra Liquid Enterprises for Basket Weaving Training?

• Proven Expertise: Over 10,000 beneficiaries trained across Uganda.

• Comprehensive, Hands-On Learning: Emphasis on practical skills and product creation.

• Ongoing Mentorship and Support: Post-training follow-up to ensure business success.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to support economic empowerment projects.

Enroll in Zebra Liquid Enterprises' Basket Weaving Course to develop the skills you need to create beautiful, functional products while building a sustainable source of income. Learn from experts, connect with markets, and transform your passion for weaving into a profitable business.