Fifty women in Saruja recently concluded a five-day workshop on pottery production.

The workshop, held in Saruja village in Central River Region south, was organised by the Community Skills Improvement Project (CSIP) and funded by the African Development Bank (ADB).

In his opening remarks on the occasion, the Community Development Officer (CDO), Mr Lamin Badjie, said pottery is a craft that is dying gradually. 
"It is in this regard we thought it important to re-vitalise and train more women in the art of pottery," he added.

While calling on the women to learn more sustainable skills from which they can derive their livelihood, Mr Badjie said there are existing knowledgeable traditional potters who can impart knowledge into the young ones in the community.

For his part, Mr Alagie Gai, a village elder, said the acquisition of skills is the first step in reducing poverty. He therefore advised the people to acquire skilful professions such as carpentry, welding and pottery.

Mrs Kani Janko, a traditional potter, said pottery production is marketable and it needs less expensive materials such as plastic or wood that most times can be obtained free of charge.

She said they produce steamers, coal pots, stoves, tap jars, cooler pots, bowls and other items.
Other speakers on the occasion included the Alkalo, Sorry Trawally, and Fatoumatta Sankareh.

Amie Janko, a member of the women’s group, delivered the vote of thanks.