The event aims to focus on the upliftment of surrounding communities through woodwork. Besides the myriad wood- and timber-related products, skills and machinery on display, the event's main aim is to reawaken interest in carpentry.
With this in mind, the American Association of Woodturners’ (AAW) board, on invitation of AWSA, will launch two of their outreach initiatives, Turners without Borders (TWB) and Women in Turning (WIT), during the event.
The key to the success of a TWB initiative is to locate the project in a community where there is an existing support base. Based on global experience, it has been decided to establish the first South African pilot project for TWB in the Garden Route. The pilot sites identified are in the Karatara district, in partnership with Tsiba (Tertiary School in Business Administration), and in George, together with the NMMU campus, in partnership with the School of Natural Resource Management (wood technology).
In support of the initiative, Garden Route-based experienced woodturners have agreed to provide mentoring to members of the community throughout their journey to acquiring woodturning skills.
AAW launched TWB three years ago. Through this initiative they have transferred woodturning skills to deprived communities in several countries such as Mexico, Puerta Rico, China and India. Through their newly acquired skills in woodturning and making use of the local supply of wood, members of these communities have been able to develop local economies and in so doing have been able uplift themselves.
Last year, the AAW agreed to bring the TWB programme to South Africa and have committed to sponsor Carmen de la Paz, an international DIY icon, to South Africa to launch the TWB initiative. In agreeing to support this initiative, the AAW further agreed to look at a partnering model with the AWSA.
In parallel with the TWB project, AWSA will be launching the Women in Turning (WIT) project in recognition that globally, women are in the top rankings of woodturners. A move away from traditional male-domination has been noticed, with women making their mark in the industry and many of them finding new meaning for themselves. Among other drivers, the WIT project will be designed to generate income to expand the TWB project to other regions in South Africa.
Because of De la Paz’ passion and commitment to the development of those less fortunate, she has committed both her time and personal funds to the launch of this project in South Africa during the Working with Wood Show.
The AWSA symposium will run throughout the Working with Wood Show. Besides the many woodturning lectures, the Working with Wood team are offering three days of woodworking demonstrations and workshops at no charge.
Entry to the Working with Wood Show is R20 per adult and no charge for children under 12.
For more information on the show, email az.oc.ereht-tuo@narf and for information about the symposium, email az.oc.ecnerefmucric@xela.
