Arakele provides cycles of training in sewing and design. The course takes 6 months and we offer flexible class schedules either mornings afternoons or evenings. The course covers all the basics (theoretical and practical) from hand sewing to machine sewing, designing and sketching. The short term 6 month course is government recognized and accredited.
If you are interested in learning a variety of sewing skills in both traditional and contemporary styles and wish to gain the skills and confidence to use an industrial sewing machine to make garments, then this course is ideal for the student who wishes to expand his or her career potential in the expanding garment industry here in Ethiopia.
Arakele remains committed to supporting the local economy by employing Ethiopian staff and sourcing all materials locally, including the sewing machines. Arakele is based in a quiet and green off main road compound in fully equipped classrooms with industrial sewing machines and separate theory classrooms for learning how to sketch and create patterns.
Working through a structured programme and taught by Ethiopian professionals with the highest level of teaching credentials, this informative course will help you understand many aspects of the garment industry including the fundamental principles of: pattern cutting techniques and terminology; fabrics and interfacings; lay planning and cutting fabric; and a wide scope of garment construct methods. Students are introduced to a wide range of basic skills necessary to work with a wide variety of patterns and garments.
Each student has their own sewing machine to use on the course and the school facilities include a large cutting room and a storeroom stocked with the materials you will need and can obtain directly from us. The Arakele infrastructure is designed to foster hands-on exploration and creativity.
Through tutor-led, step-by-step demonstrations you will compile a comprehensive folder of information, including samples, garments and paper patterns. Each week will build on the week prior, in a logical and progressive order, starting with the basics of first learning about body measurements, making patterns and hand sewing items from start to finish before progressing to learning about and using the sewing machines.
Students gain confidence working in a professional, yet relaxed and friendly atmosphere. With guidance and encouragement from tutors, students develop an awareness of the general processes involved in producing various types of garments. This, in turn, supports their learning and equips students with a varied range of skills for working on garments or other personal sewing projects in the future. We work with students at their own pace and our aim is for every student to succeed with the necessary one to one tuition and guidance as necessary. At the graduation event, students produce a final design to reflect their own style and creativity highlighting the skills they have acquired…..
At course end all graduates need to take a government CoC (Certificate of Competence exam) to get an industry recognised qualification. Students are then ready and equipped to enter the textile sector market or be able to start their own business as many graduates are keen to do! industry-recognized certifications validate their skills and expertise and these credentials open doors to exciting opportunities in the global fashion industry.
2025 TUITION COSTS
- Tuition @ 30 gbp per month (x6 months =180)
- Student materials for course (to keep) @ 15 gbp
- Registration fee per student @ 10 gbp
- Certificate of Competency (CoC) government exam @ 5 gbp
- Graduation materials @ 90 gbp
- TOTAL COST: 300 gbp per student
Students need to have a 10th grade (or above) certificate or if below 10th grade, students must take an entrance exam at Arakele.
Payment information in gbp: https://projectpencilcase.org/donate-information/ (funds are transferred to Arakele in Ethiopia)
PROJECT PENCIL CASE 