RMUTT joins hands with Bueng Ba Administrative Organization to organize tie-dye training program for the elderly

RMUTT joins hands with Bueng Ba Administrative Organization to organize tie-dye training program for the elderly

Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi and Bueng Ba sub-district Administrative Organization join hands to celebrate an upcoming New Year for the elderly with tie-dye training program held at the office of Administrative Organization, Nong Suea District Pathum Thani Province.

Mr. Surachit Kaenpim, a lecturer of Department of Innovative Contemporary Product Design in the field of fashion design and Textile Art said that he truly believed that teaching cold tie dye method to the elderly was not too complicated.  Dyeing cloth was in one way to help elderly be more creative and imaginative with their work and the same time design pattern would also be created through imagination of each individual. Concerning the dyeing color, the substances used for dye were safe for the elderly.

Besides giving hand-on experience to the elderly, the elderly would have their chances to dye their own hats making them feel proud of themselves and happy. During the training, the elderly had been very cooperative and determined to finish their work well. Also during the session, some of the elderly asked question about how and where they could sell their tie-dye products. With high demands from foreign visitors of tie-dye products, the elderly could earn their income through the Elderly Club of Bueng Ba sub-district Administrative Organization.

Mrs. Bonsang Phromsuwan, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Bueng Ba District, said that there are about 200 members of the club from various professions.  The Administration Organization regularly organized training activities for the elderly and in the past, most trainings were focused on health and food such as making of balm and production of dried bananas.  In case the elderly preferred to sell their products, the Bueng Ba Subdistrict Administration Organization was more than welcome to support and offer them a place to vend. Regarding to the tie-dye program, tie-dye hats, shirts and bags which were produced during the training could be used in everyday life. More importantly, the training program was designed to help elderly practice their imagination and creative and further earn their income.

Mrs. Pranee Khiewwongyai at the age of 65 revealed that her house had been opened as a district agricultural technology transfer center called “Ban Sai Yoi Center” with approximately 30 members. The center had invited various educational institutions including Rajamangala University of Technology (RMUTT) to help us with trainings including pottery making and thus, in order to help educate our members, we try to find interesting notions and new knowledge to share with the group. Right now, we are very interested in creating seamstress who will be involved with tie dyeing. Therefore, we really want to acquire new techniques of tie-dye that are not too sophisticated. The members could also take their chances to ask their teachers for a place to buy dye and fabric. Eventually, the knowledge they gain from the training would be able to help them create quality products that could be sold in the marketplace.

Mrs. Sawanasorn Suphasan or ‘Name’, a 3^rd year student in the graphic arts group said, I was really glad that the elderly really opened their hearts to me. These elderly were not just students to me but they were someone who were very determined and always asked questions to further improve themselves. They were really enjoying themselves during their training. If anyone wants to take part in helping others, just walk them cross the road, this could be bring you a big smile on your face. For the activity, having seen laughs and smiley faces of the senior citizens really brought my joy. I hope that I would be joining this type of training again.

Moreover, the elderly had given me their tie-dye hats while, members of Bueng Ba sub-district senior citizen club donated their money to charity project of “Making with hands, Giving with heart, Making tie-die hats for cancer patients” organized by RMUTT.