Handmade Batik School Uniforms
Culture Workshop
During the first week of the Bridge Program students are instructed on making the Batik fabric to be used for their own uniforms. This memorable and impactful visual arts workshop has been happening since 2018. Our Batik Master, Bismark Cudjoe, who is a graduate of the Trinity Yard School, leads the students through the process.
Though the practice originated in Asia in the 13th century, Batik making has a long history in Africa, especially in Ghana. The tradition has been passed on from generation to generation. This unique artwork involves a series of traditional techniques for dyeing fabrics and creating beautifully patterned textiles. It is a well-respected art form world-wide and a source of livelihood for many Ghanaians.Learning the process of Batik making gave the students both the opportunity to learn a new skill, and appreciate their cultural heritage. This is a key component of Trinity Yard Schools mission: to support the youth through access to knowledge and resources.
They watched their handiwork reveal itself, after they had gotten rid of the impressed wax by dipping their dyed fabrics in boiling water. After the exercise, measurements for all students were taken by tailor and alumni, Kingsford Kofi, to prepare them for the next stage in the cutting and sewing of the fabric.
Students were thrilled at the prospect of being able to design the uniforms that would serve them for their two-year bridge program. They all agreed on the patterns of the batik design, and assisted in carving out the design on sponge blocks. Bismark coordinated the process, giving clear instructions and demonstrations of each step. Students were each given plain cotton fabrics to be used for the exercise. The wax was melted and the the students worked meticulously, stamping patterns of the melted wax with their designed blocks. Then the wax stamped fabrics were immersed in dye baths containing their chosen color.
They watched their handiwork reveal itself, after they had gotten rid of the impressed wax by dipping their dyed fabrics in boiling water. After the exercise, measurements for all students were taken by tailor and alumni, Kingsford Kofi, to prepare them for the next stage in the cutting and sewing of the fabric.
This practical hands-on workshop helped the students understand the hard work and detailed processes involved in producing a piece of batik fabric. Their creativity has been stimulated and the skills to explore a new medium have been attained.The students learned that batik making requires precision and interest in the arts. It had been a long day for the students, but the pleasure of designing and making the patterned fabric for their own uniforms has been worth it. You could read the satisfaction in their eyes, while they admired the colorful fabrics.
